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| January 17, 2002 |
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| "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock." 1Peter 5:2-3 Peter is addressing the elder's here. However, it pertains to all His children. If your a servant of God in any way, working along with the elder's, you should be caring for and instructing God's faithful people. Peter's identification with the elder's is a good example of Christian leadership, showing that authority is based on service, not on power! Shepherding suggests provision and protection, supervision and discipline, instruction and direction. The ministry of an elder is to be performed in a very positive way, but Peter also gives a negative injunction. First of all, Peter says that elders are to minister for the right reason, in the right spirit. Not because they must do it but because they freely choose to do so. Notice what he says: "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly" (underline mine). Christians, if we are knowledgable of the Word of God, we are to be sharing this knowledge with others. And we are to do it willingly! God does not want us to take an office in the church in a pouting spirit: "Well, if you can't get anybody else to do it, I'll do it." May I politely say that if this is your attitude, then DON'T DO IT! because this is not the reason we serve Him! There is no value in serving God if you are doing it under constraint. May I also add, this goes for all God's working children. From the pulpit to the greeter and everyone in-between! "Not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind." Peter makes it quite clear that there must not only be the right reason ~ the right spirit, because they freely choose to serve ~ but there must also be the right motive for service. It is not to be for material gain but for the sheer delight of doing it! We are to find satisfaction in the job itself rather than in what we get out of it. Amen? It's wonderful to be in the Lord's service where you can do your job because you love to do it and you want to do it. That is what makes the ministry field (in all aspects of sharing the Gospel) a sheer joy. Remember, there must be a right motive in Christian service. And that would be to share the Word of God, bringing glory to His Wonderful, Matchless Name! Not for self gain, nor self-recognition, nor because you were "picked", or forced. But because you love the Lord, our God, and want to do something for Him! May God Bless you with a wonderful day as you seek an opportunity to serve Him in some way today. Love in Christ Jesus, Sandy |