A Word for Leaders
I’ve really been enjoying Eugene Peterson’s interpretations of some of my favorite Bible passages. One of them is 1 Peter 5:1-7:
1-3 I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it’s like to be a leader, in on Christ’s sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here’s my concern: that you care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.
4-5When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—
God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.
6-7So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.
Here are 7 thoughts for all those serving as leaders or are aspiring to be leaders:
1. There will be ups and downs in leadership – we will share in Christ’s sufferings as well as the coming glory. So persevere through the hard times and also enjoy the good ones!
2. The Christian leader’s job description is CARE – how much do we look out for others? We care when we encourage with words and deed, we care when we remember them in prayer, we care when we take responsibility for their struggle, we care when we rebuke in love…
3. Our motivation matters – we lead not because we have to but that we want to please God. We don’t lead to impress men. Our ultimate goal is the pleasure of God.
4. Christian leaders must not be calculative – leaders must be selfless. It’s not what we can get out of serving. There may be surprises and we will have to act spontaneously when the need arises.
5. Christian leaders must not be bossy – we have no business in making unreasonable demands on others but instead ‘tenderly showing them the way’.
6. Christian leaders must be down to earth – be content in who we are, don’t put on airs, God is the One who promotes and rewards us.
7. Christian leaders live carefree before God – our lives are marked with joy. We should learn to celebrate our wins and cast our cares on God.
It’s a high call to lead God’s people. Let’s do it well and do it right!