Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 NIV
All who have held leadership positions probably have attended seminars and read many books on how to be a good leader: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Servant Leadership, The Shepherd As Leader, and The Art of War are a few I remember. These tools are great resources and can be helpful when put into practice.
1 Peter 5:1-10 also talks about leadership. Peter advises the elders of their responsibilities. He is speaking not from a position of authority but as a peer and “a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed.”
Peter says leaders must be responsible stewards and overseers–good shepherds–of the people they’ve been given, and they do this not because they’ve been assigned–it’s not to be a burden–but because they desire it, not expecting gain. They are to lead by example, not expecting others to do what they wouldn’t do themselves. Leaders are not exempt from accountability but answer to God, the “Chief Shepherd.”
There is another exhortation to leaders: humility. Peter quotes from Proverbs 3:34, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Whether a new leader or someone who’s been at it for a while, we must be submissive to one another—showing respect, honor, and forgiveness.
Peter is not talking to pastors alone here but to all the church leaders, anyone in a position of authority—those in the church who exhibit spiritual maturity and wisdom. Whether we serve on the Administrative Council, Finance Committee, Trustees, Worship Team, or Sunday School teachers–any position we hold in God’s church–we are to do these things.
There will be a reward! We may never receive any earthly prize or compensation for our service, but something far more significant, the crown of glory–eternal life–will be given when Christ returns.
God, thank you for the opportunities to be leaders in your church. Help us to be worthy of the responsibility we’ve been given. To serve with excellence, being good stewards and examples. May we act not for the hope of personal gain, reward, or recognition but simply out of our love for you. Lord, most of all, help us to be humble, humbled by the role for which we’ve been called, and show humility–the reflection of Christ–in all we do. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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