A leader can teach privately, but it is pretty hard to lead privately! Leadership is a public and visible kind of work!

In times of persecution, those who are leaders make themselves vulnerable to attack by being visible in leadership.

Peter urges leaders not to shrink back but tells them to step forward and carry out their God-given calling in faith.

As Peter exhorts in this fireworks of a passage, shepherding requires the acting with an elder’s God-given authority which is not easy in times of persecution!

“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,” 1 Peter 5:1-3.

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.

“When 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,” 1 Peter 5:4-5.

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!

WOW! We all know that power corrupts, even those Christians in positions of authority! This is why our LORD intensely rebuked the scribes and Pharisees over their abuses of leadership in Matthew 23:33-34.

He said this!

“You Snakes! Reptilian sneaks! Frauds! Do you think you can worm your way out of this? Never have to pay the piper?

It’s on account of people like you that I send prophets and wise guides and scholars generation after generation — and generation after generation you treat them like dirt, greeting them with lynch mobs, hounding them with abuse.

Peter even makes it more clear in the verses how elders should model authority by comparing the fleshly temptations leaders face, with the spiritual characteristics of leadership which were obvious in our LORD, and should be shown in all humility by elders and all others who are called to walk in a measure of spiritual authority.

Real leaders don’t crush others! They do not use heavy and mysterious words in order to show their “Superior” spirituality.

No!

They are humble, inclusive, honest, and lead by showing others, just how to walk with holy hearts and simple obedience.

Mirror kissers need not apply!

 

In His Shadow,
~ Mary Lindow ^©

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” THE MESSENGER ” ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
Global Prayer Rooms

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Mary Lindow has a passion for encouraging others – all generations, careers or vocations to live expressing excellence through personal integrity, healthy accountability, and wise management of talents and skills. She’s a sought after keynote, inspirational, humorous speaker and teacher across the USA and internationally in Ministers & Spiritual leaders Conferences, and training seminars for various organizations.

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