Eager to Serve
Text: 1 Peter 5:1-5
Theme: Our attitudes toward working in the Church should be eagerness and humility.
Key verses: “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly–not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor…And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble'” (v. 2-5).
What God said to me: Dwayne, first stop now and pray and listen… What are you sensing about this passage? What do these verses mean to you? There are several take-aways I want you to see. First, as an elder in the Church, you have a flock. Second, I entrusted and assigned it to you. Third, I expect you to watch over your flock with care. Fourth, you are a leader, not their lord. That’s my job. Fifth, you must set the right example of a servant among them. And that leads to the sixth thing: You must walk among them in true humility. That means you don’t demand your own way all the time or look down on others who perhaps aren’t as gifted and “blessed” as you feel you are. You are not better than anyone else. (In fact, you are quite the sinner at times.) I have called you, appointed you and equipped you for the task at hand. You will receive a crown of “never-ending glory and honor,” but only if your motives and attitudes are right and pleasing to me. Check your eagerness and humility, Dwayne. Examine your motives and attitude often. It matters and will determine how effective you are and whether I continue to entrust my precious and highly-favored sheep to your shepherding care.
What I said to God: Hallelujah to the Lamb! I am forever grateful that You, King of Kings and Lord of lords, would take note of me and call me out of darkness into Your marvelous light. What mercy, what amazing grace! May I never grow tired of singing the old, old story of my Savior who came from glory. Please forgive me when pride and ill motives creep in and when I allow sinful, selfish thoughts to pervade my mind. I am humbled that You would entrust so many passionate and dedicated servants to our community at NLW. I appreciate each person You have led me to mentor and influence over the years. May I never take for granted the privilege You have given me and our team to impact nations for Your glory and to disciple Your people in worship.