1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
Being in a position of leadership entails responsibility and influence, which will depend on the nature of the job. People are leaders in many ways, from the home, job, school, church, play field, just about anywhere there are people. Peter provides a key insight to those who lead the church as elders. They should care for God’s flock as a trust. Elders are only stewards responsible for the well-being of the Good Shepherd’s sheep. Elders are not the Lord and should not assume more responsibility than they are given. As a pastor, I sometimes took on more load than I needed to. This created stress in my life. To “lord it over” has the negative nuance of some coercion or dominion to get one’s agenda or way done. What type of example should elders give to the church? They can look to the true Lord who humbled Himself and took the form of a servant (Philippines 2:5-11). In all areas where we lead, we must have a servant’s heart. This will require great strength and fortitude, especially when people disagree with us or even cause us suffering.
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