Some people are “natural born” leaders.  We notice readily who the leader is of any group that gathers for any purpose.  This begins early in life.  Walk into the church nursery and you will observe toddlers vie for the leadership position as they declare to other toddlers the game that is to be played by their rules and direction.  “You stand here, you sit there, you hold this, you go get this…all these phrases come the lips of little ones who demand their way.  If the other “followers” do not comply they throw a fit, push, shove, or yell until an adult quickly comes over to teach them how to lead, follow, care and share in more loving, kind ways.  We can learn a lot by watching what happens in the nursery!

I grew up around church leaders all my life.  I even became one.  What I discovered is that an effective leader is a diligent learner.  They learn from other leaders’ experiences and wisdom.  They learn and listen to leaders and fellow followers as they point the Way to God through Jesus.  They read and study God’s Word daily, seeking wisdom. They look for other leaders among the followers and begin to pour their lives into those who God calls to be leaders, too.  But they do this without showing favoritism or neglecting the rest of the “flock.”   They pray consistently, without ceasing, as they seek God’s direction in His work even if it disappoints the followers for the moment until God’s leading is evident to them.  Church leaders called of God seek to please God first. 

True, humble, honest leaders, called of God, take their cue from Jesus, The Master Teacher who led his followers—with compassion, patience, kindness, and unconditional love. Peter was one of those “natural born” leaders who had to be nurtured, specifically guided, and carefully shaped to lead like Jesus led him.  Now he passes these leadership truths to us…

1 Peter 5, The Message

He’ll Promote You at the Right Time

^1-3 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.

^4-5 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.

^6-7 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.

He Gets the Last Word

^8-11 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

¹² I’m sending this brief letter to you by Silas, a most dependable brother. I have the highest regard for him.

I’ve written as urgently and accurately as I know how. This is God’s generous truth; embrace it with both arms!

^13-14 The church in exile here with me—but not for a moment forgotten by God—wants to be remembered to you. Mark, who is like a son to me, says hello. Give holy hugs all around! Peace to you—to all who walk in Christ’s ways.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE REPOND?

I also learned from my failures and by the mistakes of others around me who led for all the wrong reasons guided by inner motives of self-importance.  “Pride comes before a fall” Proverbs 16:18 warns us and it is certainly true.  We easily fall for pride!  When our motives are shaded by pride, we forget who we belong to and soon ignore the King of our hearts.  We rely on those who look up to us to not only massage our egos, but to do what we want done.  Relying on human effort alone will surely lead to a fall that is hard to overcome unless we surrender completely to God in Jesus Name. 

Peter knew and grew from his own failures of rapid fire—shoot from the hip—responses to “fix” any given situation.  His “just do it” without thinking first attitude resulted in calamity instead of compassion.  Jesus forgave a repentant Peter.  He taught Simon Peter to think and act more like Him.  This is evident in Peter’s teaching to us.  Peter is “in the know” of what it takes to be a leader because he was trained and schooled by the Master Teacher!

Trust Peter’s words to us today given to him by Jesus;

Care for people as you show them the Way because of your desire to please God, not for pleasing your ego.

Be humble, not pride filled and “fancy like that” of the world!

Be content with who you are—child of God.

Keep a cool head and stay alert to what God wants.

Keep a firm grip on the faith—no matter what!

Jesus is the Leader of all!  He is the Cornerstone upon whom we as His church build our lives upon.  He is King of kings, Lord of lords, who gets the last word.

Lord,

Cleanse our hearts of all that does not please you.  Renew our minds to think more like you with your Holy Spirit helping us.  Refresh our souls with your tender mercies and unfailing love.  Restore the joy and peace of your salvation work within us.  Remind us who we are daily—brothers and sisters—joint heirs with you, dear Jesus.

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen—Yes!