Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
1 Peter 5:2-3
Do you know what our society needs today? We need more Christian leaders. We need men and women alike that have a heart like Jesus to step up and lead in a spiritual capacity. Our world is in desperate need of leaders that will care for the spiritual and physical needs of others.
Peter knew the importance of being an example for Christ. Jesus told Peter to feed and tend to His sheep. Most importantly, Peter was to have a heart like Jesus, a willingness to give up his own life for the sake of others and to care and nurture to the needs of others. That is the characteristic of a spiritual leader.
Peter seemed to remember what Jesus told him to do in John 21:15-17. Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him. And each time Peter responded yes. Jesus was giving him an opportunity to recover from denying Him. But also Jesus was teaching an important lesson that people need to be led spiritually and it takes a living heart to do it.
Peter says in our Scripture verses for today, “Be examples”. Be an example to your friends, coworkers, family members, or to your church. Good leaders lead out of example. How good of an example are you setting for others today? Be an example of Christ and for Christ.
Pray
Lord, give me a heart like Yours. Help me to see and hear people like You see and hear them. Help me to live holy and righteous so that I can set an example to others.
