Happy Monday! For many years, I’ve struggled with the balance of authority versus leader, looking for leaders who led well. What I’ve learned in the absence of good leaders is being in a position of authority doesn’t make anyone a leader, it just makes them a person in charge. There are many qualities of an effective leader and it often begins in the heart. Today’s verses in 1 Peter 5, Peter addresses the elders on leadership. Join my as we continue in 1 Peter.
“And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.” 1 Peter 5:1-4 NLT
Chapter five begins with Peter sharing his credentials as an elder in the church, an apostle and one who was with Christ. He emphasized that he knows first hand what the duties of an elder/shepherd requires. Yet, he is encouraging the elders in the church to care for the flock (those who are in the church). He is reminding them that their work is not for themselves or their own glory, but it should be to glorify the Lord. He also wanted to ensure that the elders within the church did not act like haughty leaders setting themselves over and above the flock pushing them away, but as entrusted leaders – to lead the flock by being a good example.
Sisters and brothers you may not be an elder in the church, but many people are looking at you as an example of what a Christian should be. As Christians we are called to live a life that demonstrates God’s goodness here on earth.
Can we claim to be a follower of Christ (Christian), if we aren’t following Christ? The answer is yes, people can claim to be anything and many will believe it. However, we as Christians will know a true Christian by its fruit. And sadly, Satan knows too. May our hearts be aligned to God’s will, our tongues confess the truth of the gospel and may our life reflect what we confess.
What fruit are you bearing today? Is it a good or bad witness of the faith?
Sisters and brothers, strive to be a good witness of the faith today. Encourage and lead those who are of the faith. Pray for and be an example to those who desire to be in Christ Jesus and to those who don’t know Christ.
Father God, thank you for today. Thank you for the good and bad fruit that has led us to you today. Lord, nothing is by a mistake. Lord, help us to mature as Christians so that we can care for those who are in need. Lord, develop us into the leaders you have entrusted us to be. Lord, correct us whenever we try to serve with false motives. Lord, let us serve and shepherd with a pure heart, one that is reliant upon Your will and Your plan. Lord, help us to lead, guide and protect those whom you have placed in our care. Lord, we pray for people who are suffering, struggling and are at a loss of what to do. Lord, speak to their hearts today. Lord, let them hear you and be obedient to what you are directing them to do. In Jesus name, amen.
Keep praying! Keep trusting! Keep pursuing the Lord!
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