Seeds for 06/25/2024 - 1 Peter 5:1-4
Scripture:
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Observation:
Leadership is a matter of character as much as content. This is Peter’s guidance “as a fellow elder.” He tells the leaders to “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care.” He expands on this with a string of contrasts. Let’s take a look.
First, “watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing…” It is certainly noble to make good on one’s obligations simply because they are “musts” that one simply has to do. However, that is not what should drive the shepherds of God’s people. Shepherding God’s people involves a commitment of the heart, a willingness to watch over God’s people that goes beyond obligation.
Second, “not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve…” When we are in a position of influence, we are in a position to advantage ourselves. The temptation is to justify any behavior like this. That temptation must be met, however with actions over explanations. In particular, serving others can help us practice laying down our self-interest and taking up self-surrender.
Third, “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” Someone concerned with the integrity of their example will have precious little time to “lord it over those entrusted to you.” Paying special attention to the sort of example one is for others can have a leveling effect. Instead of “lording it over” others in one’s congregation or fellowship, being an example entails considering the character traits most in need of cultivation in order to become a more Christlike community. Exhibiting these traits means placing oneself alongside every other person and inviting them into the same journey of transformation. It’s hard to lord oneself over people when you are walking alongside them and inviting them to walk alongside you and you endeavor to follow Jesus.
Application:
What else might the Holy Spirit be speaking with you about in the text today?
Prayer: Lord, give me a heart for willing, honest, and humble service, so that those in my sphere of influence may experience your grace through my life and actions. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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