1 Peter Chapter 5: Verses 1-5
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
In these first few verses of chapter 5, Peter is addressing the elders of the church who are in a place of authority but I think the advice he gives can apply just as easy to anyone who has been on the Christian journey for a length of time. Those of us in that position need to remember the enthusiasm and excitement that we had when we first decided to follow Jesus. We need to encourage and help those who are making that commitment for the first time, and it makes a difference when we do so with a willing heart and not just out of a sense of obligation. People pick up on enthusiasm, or lack of it, and we want them to feel that sense of joy and wonder, and prove to them that this is not just a short-term commitment. God’s commitment to us will never change; He has a crown of glory waiting for us. Let’s show Him how much we love Him by our willingness to serve.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for never giving up on me, and that Your mercies are new and fresh every morning. I ask that my heart remains soft and eager to serve You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.