"shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness" -1 Peter 5.2
1 Peter 5.2 begins to answer the most central questions of leadership. What is the role of a leader? How does a leader embrace the call to leadership? Why does a leader lead?
What is the role of a leader?
A leader is to provide care and protection for those entrusted to his guidance. A shepherd makes sure the sheep are fed and watered, leading them green pastures and quiet waters. He makes sure their needs are met, and when a sheep is injured, he tends the wound. If a sheep wanders off, he goes and searches for it. But the role of a shepherd goes beyond simple care, a shepherd protects. A shepherd does not lead the sheep into the field and then go home; he doesn't take them to water, and then fall asleep. A shepherd diligently watches over the sheep, scanning the horizon for any predators looking for an easy meal. If a wolf, bear, or lion shows up, the shepherd doesn't run away to save himself; he picks up his weapons and goes to battle to protect the sheep.
A leader is called upon to provide for the needs of those he leads, and protect them from threats.
How does a leader embrace the call to leadership?
Leaders are called and equipped by God. As such, the role of leadership is a blessing, and a God ordained opportunity, given to one whom God has chosen to lead. Leadership is not to be undertaken lightly, it is a big responsibility after all, especially when it involves the spiritual care of individuals. At the same, it is a privilege and a blessing to be called upon to lead, because it provides an opportunity to do great good. Because of this, a leadership must not reluctantly assume the mantle bestowed by God, but is to voluntarily, and humbly, accept the call of God. God will not abandon those who faithfully obey Him, and because of this, those called to lead must voluntarily embrace God's call.
A leader humbly accepts his call, knowing that God will be with him.
Why does a leader lead?
The objective of a leader is to advance themselves, but to serve. Leaders are not place in power by God to gain wealth, comfort, prestige, or the other pleasures of life, but to offer themselves in service to those they lead. A leader needs to be the first one on his knees washing feet, the last one eat, and have his hands just as covered in dirt as any other man. A leader is put in power to serve those he leads. He offers his strength eagerly, wanting only to make the lives of his people better, while offering them safety and security to grow and live.
A leader leads to serve and better the lives of others.
Fight the lion, 1 Peter 5.1-11
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Friday, April 6, 2018
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
The Approach to Leadership
"shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness" -1 Peter 5.2
This final phrase of verse 2 builds on the role of a leader, and the nature of voluntary obedience, by stating what the goal of one entering leadership should be. A leader is to voluntarily shepherd those God has entrusted to his care. This is to be done, not for personal gain, but with an attitude of eagerness, always ready to serve and sacrifice for those he leads. The purpose of leadership is not to gain position, comfort, or personal advancement, but to attain a platform to be able to serve more.
Above all else, a leader is a servant. A leader is not put into power to make his life better, or more comfortable, but to be able to better serve those entrusted to his care. Leading is about serving and sacrificing, thus why the voluntary acceptance is so crucial, true service is only done willingly.
A leader is in their position to better the lives of those he leads. Just as a shepherd provides nourishment and protection for his sheep, a leader must provide for the well being and safety of his people. Easter was this past Sunday, and there is no clearer example of this type of leadership than in Jesus. He told his disciples, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mark 10.45) The life of Christ, the King of kings, was the life of a servant. His days were spent teaching and healing, and in His final hours he washed the feet of His disciples, voluntarily surrendered to the will of God in the garden, then laid down His life as the payment for sin. Jesus did not come for the comfort He was entitled to, but to a life of service, ending at the cross to protect His flock from eternal damnation in Hell, and to provide unrestricted access to the Father.
I keep thinking about this image from a skit I saw in college. It was a wordless skit set to music, and in it Jesus was portrayed, alone with the devil and some demons, with a human caught in between. I don't remember most of it, but the image that stands out more clearly is when Satan and his demons were preparing to nail the human to a cross, and Jesus intervened, waving them off of the person and pointing to Himself as the sacrifice. My words don't do it justice, but this is one of my favorite images of Christ.
This is how a leader is approach their position. It is not for their own benefit, but the benefit of others. Leadership is not for sordid gain, but an opportunity to serve and protect that must be undertaken with eagerness.
Fight the lion, 1 Peter 5.1-11
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
This final phrase of verse 2 builds on the role of a leader, and the nature of voluntary obedience, by stating what the goal of one entering leadership should be. A leader is to voluntarily shepherd those God has entrusted to his care. This is to be done, not for personal gain, but with an attitude of eagerness, always ready to serve and sacrifice for those he leads. The purpose of leadership is not to gain position, comfort, or personal advancement, but to attain a platform to be able to serve more.
Above all else, a leader is a servant. A leader is not put into power to make his life better, or more comfortable, but to be able to better serve those entrusted to his care. Leading is about serving and sacrificing, thus why the voluntary acceptance is so crucial, true service is only done willingly.
A leader is in their position to better the lives of those he leads. Just as a shepherd provides nourishment and protection for his sheep, a leader must provide for the well being and safety of his people. Easter was this past Sunday, and there is no clearer example of this type of leadership than in Jesus. He told his disciples, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mark 10.45) The life of Christ, the King of kings, was the life of a servant. His days were spent teaching and healing, and in His final hours he washed the feet of His disciples, voluntarily surrendered to the will of God in the garden, then laid down His life as the payment for sin. Jesus did not come for the comfort He was entitled to, but to a life of service, ending at the cross to protect His flock from eternal damnation in Hell, and to provide unrestricted access to the Father.
I keep thinking about this image from a skit I saw in college. It was a wordless skit set to music, and in it Jesus was portrayed, alone with the devil and some demons, with a human caught in between. I don't remember most of it, but the image that stands out more clearly is when Satan and his demons were preparing to nail the human to a cross, and Jesus intervened, waving them off of the person and pointing to Himself as the sacrifice. My words don't do it justice, but this is one of my favorite images of Christ.
This is how a leader is approach their position. It is not for their own benefit, but the benefit of others. Leadership is not for sordid gain, but an opportunity to serve and protect that must be undertaken with eagerness.
Fight the lion, 1 Peter 5.1-11
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Monday, April 2, 2018
God's Will
"shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness" -1 Peter 5.2
The role of a leader is to provide care and protection for those God has entrusted to their care. God has called leaders to this role, but a leader is not to undertake this take reluctantly, or under a sense of obligation. To be called to lead is a heavy responsibility, but it is also a huge blessing, and when God calls a leader, they are to voluntarily embrace the call of God. It is the will of God for leaders to lead, and that calling must be undertaken with willing obedience.
As I read this section, my mind went back to two Old Testament leaders, Samuel and Saul. Samuel was a miracle child, a gift of God to a barren women who pleaded with God for a child. Out of gratitude, his mother dedicated him to the service of God. When Samuel is lying down in the temple where the Ark of God was kept, they symbol of God's presence, and he hears his name called in the night he eagerly runs to Eli, the priest, thinking that he has summoned him. After this happens multiple times, Eli tells Samuel that God is speaking to him, and that if he hears his name again he is to respond, "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening." When God calls Samuel again, this is his response. (1 Samuel 1 and 3)
Samuel serves as a prophet, and as he grows older, he appoints his sons as judges over Israel. They did not follow his model of faithfulness, and the people cry out for a king. God grants their request, Saul is chosen, but when it comes time to publicly announce the king, he is no where to be found. Later, he is discovered hiding among the baggage, unwilling to take on the responsibility God has given him. (1 Samuel 8 and 10)
God called two men to lead, one responded to call willingly, obeying the will of God, and faithfully led the nation. The other tried to hide from his responsibility, taking the role only when it was forced upon him, and he went on to abuse his power, disobey God, and fail in his role.
Leaders are called to lead, it is a privilege and while it may be an intimidating task, the will of God needs to be followed, not under reluctant compulsion, but voluntary obedience.
Fight the lion, 1 Peter 5.1-11
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
The role of a leader is to provide care and protection for those God has entrusted to their care. God has called leaders to this role, but a leader is not to undertake this take reluctantly, or under a sense of obligation. To be called to lead is a heavy responsibility, but it is also a huge blessing, and when God calls a leader, they are to voluntarily embrace the call of God. It is the will of God for leaders to lead, and that calling must be undertaken with willing obedience.
As I read this section, my mind went back to two Old Testament leaders, Samuel and Saul. Samuel was a miracle child, a gift of God to a barren women who pleaded with God for a child. Out of gratitude, his mother dedicated him to the service of God. When Samuel is lying down in the temple where the Ark of God was kept, they symbol of God's presence, and he hears his name called in the night he eagerly runs to Eli, the priest, thinking that he has summoned him. After this happens multiple times, Eli tells Samuel that God is speaking to him, and that if he hears his name again he is to respond, "Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening." When God calls Samuel again, this is his response. (1 Samuel 1 and 3)
Samuel serves as a prophet, and as he grows older, he appoints his sons as judges over Israel. They did not follow his model of faithfulness, and the people cry out for a king. God grants their request, Saul is chosen, but when it comes time to publicly announce the king, he is no where to be found. Later, he is discovered hiding among the baggage, unwilling to take on the responsibility God has given him. (1 Samuel 8 and 10)
God called two men to lead, one responded to call willingly, obeying the will of God, and faithfully led the nation. The other tried to hide from his responsibility, taking the role only when it was forced upon him, and he went on to abuse his power, disobey God, and fail in his role.
Leaders are called to lead, it is a privilege and while it may be an intimidating task, the will of God needs to be followed, not under reluctant compulsion, but voluntary obedience.
Fight the lion, 1 Peter 5.1-11
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
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