October 27, 2022

Passage Read: 1 Peter 5 - 2 Peter 1
Meditation Verses: 1 Peter 5:2-3

Thought

Elders are supposed to exercise authority over their flock willingly, not under compulsion. In a sense, that means elders should not really be seeking the responsibility, and neither should they be forced into it. But they should see the need and be willing to step in to lead. Neither should they do it because they think they'll get rich doing it, but because of the need. There's a suggestion here that all the elders should receive some form of compensation, not like our modern idea that only the hired pastor receives a salary, though elsewhere it is written that those who do well should receive double honor. And lastly, Peter reminds the elders that they should use their experience as examples to the flock, rather than use their position to boss the flock around. They should lead by example, like Paul teaching how to live and modeling it for them. They should be in the thick of things with their flock, not seated off in the distance presiding over everyone and directing everyone else on how they should live.

Application

The thing that stands out most to me is the need for the elder to be willing, not under compulsion. Of course, to be willing, he had to be hopeful that there are things he can do to help the flock grow. If he sees little hope of the flock growing, he shouldn't be pressed into service. He shouldn't be forced to take on the responsibility. I think I'm seeing that more and more when it comes to this church I've applied to: I don't think I'm willing, but being pushed into it because there is no other choice. That's no reason to take this responsibility. I want to go where I can help, not where I can do nothing.