Greetings.
Each morning I start my day by looking at the “verse of the day” and then trying to understand its context in the chapter it came from.
The verse today is below from 1 Peter. My morning thoughts are on the full chapter 5.
This chapter was written for elders – but applicable to managers and leaders in business, as well as application in our personal lives as friends and family members. It urges us to take care of the people we are responsible for – because the people – are all God’s flock.
Managers and leaders are shepherds and servants.
The instructjon is for us to watch over people because we WANT to, not because we HAVE to.
Do you manage people?
Do you take that role to heart?
Do you watch the flock because you have to, or want to?
The text is very plain – it says to lead people because you are happy to serve, not because you want money.
Don’t be a ruler over people, but rather be a good example to them.
Think of the ways Christ led – not by force but by Love.
The chapter doesn’t end there – there’s a lesson for young people as well. It instructs them to accept authority of the elders and to be humble with each other.
When we are humble – God is pleased and will lift us up when the right time comes.
Sometimes the timing isn’t what we wish for – but it’s perfect as it’s His timing.
This is a hard lesson for me sometimes – the waiting.
However in the very next verse – we are reminded to not worry about anything because God cares for each of us.
The Text shifts here to warn us against the enemy – he comes to attack our self control, to make us wish for something more, to entice us to stray from what is good and what is from God.
We are not alone in this struggle.
All over the entire Earth people deal with these same problems.
Power is – well – powerful.
Just look at what is happening in the news lately over the most “powerful” world leaders and how they’re all conducting themselves.
Don’t dismay. There’s more to the chapter – it instructs us to stand strong in faith for He will keep us from failing – through His grace, power is His alone forever.
Stand strong in that Grace.
Be united with others.
We are all in this together and can’t do everything alone.
Even in this chapter – Peter needed Silas to deliver the letter to the elders.
He could depend on him and trusted him.
Not only Silas was involved, but the last part of the chapter said the entire church of Babylon sent greetings as well as a special call out from Mark.
Peace and love to you.
School of Thoughts 