1 Peter 5:1-5 (NRSV)
Exemplary leadership
Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for
"God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble."
Reflection
What have we been given? We have been given new life! We have been given everlasting life. Life that is to be sweet and wonderful to ignore. We have been given life in Christ Jesus!
It seems that too many take this new life, say they believe it, but their lives don't demonstrate it. Is that because of these temporary pains that we are enduring in this life?
If you think about it, as compared to eternity, the pains of this life are very brief and even fleeting. In this respect, we better pay attention to the life we now live. It is a breath or two and that's it. So why not appreciate with great joy this new life we have been given in Christ?
Why wouldn't we be shouting the message of Jesus from every rooftop or place where we meet another person? Why not even to those we love? Where is the joy in this new life? Or, don't we really believe it? Are we just saying we believe but living in unbelief? Think about it.
If you believe in Christ...live...live alive...now...and into eternity. What great joy...even in this life. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, I'm a witness to your life too. For you have been with me from before I was born. May I tell of your grace and love with passion and joy day after day. May I live each moment knowing and trusting in all you have in store... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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