HUMBLENESS
HUMBLENESS
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.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. —1 Peter 5:1-7
Elders are to “be shepherds of God’s flock” which is under their care. These shepherds are to be watching over the flock with a willingness to do so. God’s desire is to have shepherds that are willing to look after the flock. These elder/shepherds are not to be watching over the flock for dishonest gain— they are not being selfish and just wanting to get, get, get what they can— finances, power… No, instead these shepherds are eager to serve and not seeking domination over those they lead, but are examples to them. Those faithful shepherds will be recognized by the Lord when He appears. It will be a recognition that does not fade away.
As godly elder/shepherds are to submit faithfully to God’s will, so those who are younger are to submit themselves to their elders. Just as the elders willingly submit to the will of God so the younger are to willing submit to their elder/shepherds. Both the elders and the younger are to be clothed with humility because “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Pride keeps elder/shepherds from submitting to God as He desires and also keeps the younger from submitting to their elder/shepherds as He desires. Pride keeps “all of you” from being humble toward each other. To be raised up by God’s mighty hand in due time will not happen unless a person is humble. Instead of worrying about this we can put our lives in the hands of Him who cares for us. May we do so! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU8MAQKSbEI
Dear Father, Oh, that I would not be prideful. Please help me to be more like Jesus in this. May it be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus.