Focus

Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.

---

Read

1 Peter 5:1-5 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

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.”

---

Reflect

This scripture describes the true role of a servant, a shepherd. One who watches over for protection, watches for the need and care of an individual, and one watching over his/her attitude toward the position they hold as elder or pastor. An individual with pride and arrogance will turn people off. Their sincerity in the work they are professing to do will come into question. God opposes pride and rewards humility. True humility. Christ was the example of true humility. One definition says humility is a modest view of one’s importance.

Christ was a modest man, always placing God first. A true servant will put God first and not take credit that truly belongs to God. This scripture says we should do service to others because we want to and without reward. Be modest in the way we present ourselves and to not make those we serve feel inferior by our ministrations. We are to love, guide, and help those who are under our care whether it be a pastor or elder in a church or caring for an elderly relative. The only Bible people read anymore is how a Christian conduct him/herself. Let the world see Christ, not us.

---

Pray

Holy God forgive me when self gets in the way of your work. Make in me a humble spirit where those around me can see Christ, not me. Help me to be the Christian who will draw people toward you wanting to know more of who you are. Amen.

Go with God!