"nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock." -1 Peter 5.3
Peter has talked about what a leader is to do, and the attitude a leader is to have as they lead, and here in verse 3 he provides a warning for leaders to take heed of. Leadership is, by nature, a position of power. Leaders have influence over people and there have been numerous leaders who have abused their influence and power. They use their position to dominate the people, secure comfort and pleasure for themselves, or impose their own will on those they lead. Peter warns a leader that this is not to be the course they follow.
Leadership is not about personal gain, and it is not about dominating those you lead. Leaders are not called to be dictators, imposing their will at the expense of the people, but they are to serve the people, sacrificing themselves for the betterment of those they lead. Leadership is not about taking advantage of the people, but giving of yourself for the people.
The best leaders are those who listen to their people, and then act in the best interest of the people. A leader does not give the people everything they want exactly as they want it, but he listens to their concerns and acts in their best interest. A leader does not impose his will at the expense of the people, but acts to better their lives.
Leadership is not about the leader, but about those who are being led. A leader is serve, not be served. A leader does not lord his power, position, or preferences over those allotted to his charge, but always acts in their best interest to provide for, and protect, them. A leader who does that will have the loyalty and love of his people.
Fight the lion, 1 Peter 5.1-11
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Friday, April 13, 2018
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
1 Peter 5.3, Overview
"nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock." 1 Peter 5.3
1 Peter 5.3 marks the end of the sentence that began back in verse 1, and the two statements contained in the verse conclude Peter's opening address to leaders about leadership.
nor yet as lording it over- don't abuse your position. Leadership is not a position to abuse and take advantage of those you lead.
proving to be examples- model, show people how to live by living an example for them to emulate.
1 Peter 5.3 talks about what leadership is all about. This verse builds on the attitude and actions of a leader from the previous verses, and talks about the point of leadership.
Fight the lion, 1 Peter 5.1-11
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
1 Peter 5.3 marks the end of the sentence that began back in verse 1, and the two statements contained in the verse conclude Peter's opening address to leaders about leadership.
nor yet as lording it over- don't abuse your position. Leadership is not a position to abuse and take advantage of those you lead.
proving to be examples- model, show people how to live by living an example for them to emulate.
1 Peter 5.3 talks about what leadership is all about. This verse builds on the attitude and actions of a leader from the previous verses, and talks about the point of leadership.
Fight the lion, 1 Peter 5.1-11
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Monday, April 9, 2018
As We Wait for Glory
1 Peter 5.2 builds on the foundation of verse 1. Verse 1 establishes the audience as the leaders among the people, being addressed by a man who is far from perfect, but knows he has been redeemed, and is eagerly anticipating the full revelation of God's glory that is to come. From this, he begins to establish the work that needs to be done while humanity is waiting for the return of Christ. This work begins with the leaders.
Leaders, in spite of their past failures, are shepherd those whom God has entrusted to them. They are to take their own experiences of failure, and learn from them, passing on the lessons they have learned, so that those who they instruct may grow beyond their failure (I took that phrasing from the latest Star Wars movie, I read the audio book, I fell asleep in the theater). A shepherd provides his flock with what they need to grow, and creates a safe environment for them to learn initially. He invests his time in those around him, knowing that he cannot reach everyone, so his focus is given to those God has placed under his care.
Because of the redemption God has bestowed upon him, it is a blessing to serve in leadership. A good leader is the first to realize and admit his own unworthiness for the position. If anything, a leader knows his failures better than anyone else, but at the same time, a good leader must realize that is a god of restoration and second chances, and no past is beyond His ability to redeem. A leader accepts the call out of gratitude, and obeys God because God has redeemed them.
Finally, the focus on the future revelation of God's glory keeps a leader grounded. A leader who is focused on worshiping God will not seek his own advancement, and will not abuse his position, but will eagerly seek serve others, pointing them to God, knowing that all glory belongs to Him. A redeemed leader will use his influence to point others to the Redeemer, not draw attention to himself.
A leaders actions are shaped by his attitude. The questions surrounding leadership center on the work of God, and a good leader does everything out of a desire to see God glorified. As we wait for glory, let us provide for and protect those we lead, humbly accept the call out of gratitude, and devote our time of service to bettering the lives of those we lead so that God may be more fully glorified.
Fight the lion, 1 Peter 5.1-11
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
Leaders, in spite of their past failures, are shepherd those whom God has entrusted to them. They are to take their own experiences of failure, and learn from them, passing on the lessons they have learned, so that those who they instruct may grow beyond their failure (I took that phrasing from the latest Star Wars movie, I read the audio book, I fell asleep in the theater). A shepherd provides his flock with what they need to grow, and creates a safe environment for them to learn initially. He invests his time in those around him, knowing that he cannot reach everyone, so his focus is given to those God has placed under his care.
Because of the redemption God has bestowed upon him, it is a blessing to serve in leadership. A good leader is the first to realize and admit his own unworthiness for the position. If anything, a leader knows his failures better than anyone else, but at the same time, a good leader must realize that is a god of restoration and second chances, and no past is beyond His ability to redeem. A leader accepts the call out of gratitude, and obeys God because God has redeemed them.
Finally, the focus on the future revelation of God's glory keeps a leader grounded. A leader who is focused on worshiping God will not seek his own advancement, and will not abuse his position, but will eagerly seek serve others, pointing them to God, knowing that all glory belongs to Him. A redeemed leader will use his influence to point others to the Redeemer, not draw attention to himself.
A leaders actions are shaped by his attitude. The questions surrounding leadership center on the work of God, and a good leader does everything out of a desire to see God glorified. As we wait for glory, let us provide for and protect those we lead, humbly accept the call out of gratitude, and devote our time of service to bettering the lives of those we lead so that God may be more fully glorified.
Fight the lion, 1 Peter 5.1-11
TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!
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