Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 5:2–3
Since Peter was an elder, God had Peter appeal to everyone who served as an elder and serves as an elder today. 1 Peter 5:2–3 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; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. God desires every elder to shepherd the people God has placed under their care. God also tells elders to WILLINGLY watch over the people under their care, not because of obligation but because, ultimately, every elder is serving our Lord. Even if we are not an elder, we are all called to serve our Lord by making disciples of Him of the people in our lives. Through Peter, God made it clear that none of us should shepherd the flock for what we will get out of it, but we are to serve because we are eager to serve Him. Our flock might be our friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc. Whoever God has placed under our care, we must lead them to follow Christ. God also warns the elders, and again, this Truth applies to all of us as Christians, not to be bossy over people placed under our care, but lead people by our good example. We must be living so others can imitate our walk with Christ (1 Corinthian 4:16, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 3:17, Philippians 4:9). We are to lead, serve, and help others so they do the same with others.
Challenge & Application
1. How have you seen the elders of the church lead others well and be a good role model to follow?
2. How are you being a good example to those God has placed in your life?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!