Leadership by Example

Little eyes are watching! Theo's been around
when mom's been exercising.

Scripture:

1Pet. 5:1    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 ² 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. ³ Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.

Observation:

This passage actually begins with the word “therefore” in the Greek, connecting it to the previous section. The people of God have been exhorted to continue to do good, even in the face of persecution. Therefore, now, the elders are to remain as examples to the people in the midst of this circumstance. Peter has spoken much about the suffering of Christ as an example to us all, and now, he refers to his own experience, witnessing the suffering of Christ, and one who shares in the life of Christ as an overseer. 

The overseers have a responsibility to tend to God’s flock that is in their charge. They are to care for the flock gently, and out of an abundance of love, not for financial gain. Wesley reminds the minister that they shouldn’t move from one place to another to get a better salary! 

Throughout the New Testament we read that leadership is to be by example. The most effective shepherds have always walked ahead of their flocks, calling their sheep to follow. Driving or threatening the sheep will not prove to be effective. 

The diaspora of the first century was continually awaiting the second coming of the Messiah. Therefore, they understood the responsibility of caring for the chief shepherd’s sheep until he returned. Each minister was to have a spirit or an attitude of willingness, service to others, and a lifestyle worthy to be followed. 

Application:

Peter is laying down the virtues that are to be practiced in the life of a leader. They are a willing attitude, servant leadership, and exemplary behavior. Leadership truly is to be by example. Imagine the disappointment in the life of a student when they discover that the professor does not practice what they teach! And yet — unfortunately this is what can happen when there is a failure of self-discipline in the life of the leader. 

A leader should never serve begrudgingly, but with a willing attitude. If God calls you to a place of leadership, jump in and serve with your whole heart. People don’t want to serve under a leader who is not emotionally engaged in what they are doing. Serving as a leader is an honor that is given to a person. Any use or abuse of power does not reflect God’s intention for leadership. 

Personal gain is not the purpose of leadership, but instead it is the use of skills and abilities that God has given for the intention or good of the whole community. That’s why leadership is service to others. The servant leader exists to lovingly care for those within their charge. The health of the community within the care of the leader is the reflection of the true character of the leader. 

A leader is supposed to live a life of exemplary behavior. Nearly every leader has personal issues that they need to try and overcome, but there must be discipline and a desire to lead a life through exemplary behavior. There should be no hidden secrets, sneaking around, and trying to keep things from other people. Everything that a leader does should be able to be seen in the light of day. 

In the time of the New Testament there was no other option but to follow the example of the leader. There were no self-help books, and nor was there a New Testament. There were preachers who taught the people and led them. This is why Paul told people to follow him as he followed Christ. Peter is telling his people the same thing. This is why the burden and responsibility of leadership is so heavy. 

We are still living in the season of COVID. It’s changed all of our lives, including the lives of leaders. As leaders adapt, by the grace of God, their lives should still reflect the character of the good shepherd, and they should lead their flocks by example. 

Prayer:

Lord, I pray for all those you have placed in leadership over your flock. May your Spirit lead and guide so that their lives may be followed. May they have supernatural wisdom that comes from You. Amen.