October 27 / I Peter 5:1-5

I Peter 5:1-5

Peter gives us a novel triad construction, using the word “not”: …not under compulsion, but willingly, … not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering, … but being examples to the flock… (vv. 2b-3) Peter has addressed these restrictions to “elders”, typically referring to church leaders. That reference notwithstanding, I have always inferred the word literally, to those of us who are older. So, as I have with Paul’s instructions to Timothy, I apply Peter’s instructions to elders to myself in my Christian walk, particularly in areas where I have a leadership role. So I ask myself if I am leading willingly, eagerly, setting an example…? As treasurer? At Avanza? With RTB? We all need to ask ourselves regularly how we are acting in our church roles as elders/leaders. But it’s not only in our church roles. In our “non-church” lives, are we leading willingly, eagerly, setting an example…? That might even be a more important question than how we are behaving “in church”.

The other half of Peter’s instructions above come in verse 5a: Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Again, I see that instruction applied to myself. Am I being subject to those placed in leadership over me? That instruction does not suggest blind obedience. It does, however, (at a minimum) suggest respect. I recall in my military days, in considering the chain of command over me that we were taught to respect the uniform (the rank) if not the man. That command is still with me today. I recall also (later, King) David’s comment that he would not raise his hand against “the Lord’s anointed” (referring to King Saul, in I Samuel 24:6). In applying that verse to myself, I have always tried to keep criticism of our church leaders to a minimum, both my own voice and those with whom I am conversing. Disagreement, yes, but criticism, no.

Some good questions for today…!