I will always remember one of the first trips to the ice cream shop with one of our granddaughters. I was showing and telling my little granddaughter, who was about two years old at the time all about the wonderful flavors of ice cream one hot day. I was excitedly telling her the virtues of rocky road, strawberry swirl with nuts, peppermint with all the pretty colors and great taste.

She listened with wide eyes to her passionate grandma who would have given her whatever she wanted. At the end of my ice cream preaching, she quietly said, “Gamma, I dis want white”. Well okay, then. If that’s what the girl wants, that’s what she gets…just plain white. This little girl is now a teen and still prefers plain white to all the other showy flavors. Mm.

I think of this as we read God’s Word through Peter who gives encouragement to leaders and followers alike with the wisdom of how we should think and behave…without airs…but to be ourselves…just plain, simple. Be encouraged with these words as I am this morning. God takes delight in plain people!

“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. 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. 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,
But takes delight in just plain people.’

“So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.” 1 Peter 5, Msg

Dear Heavenly Father, Forgive us for those times when in our own insecurities we put on airs, dress our lives up in ridiculous ways to be noticed and to just feel better about ourselves when your true delight is in our simplicity. Plain people who honestly seek You is what You desire. Here I am, plain and simple, before You. Have Your own way with me, guiding and directing and I commit to simply and spontaneously follow You. In Jesus Name, Amen