1 Peter 5:1-5
I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it’s like to be a leader, in on Christ’s sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here’s my concern: that you care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.
When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for —
God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
You know me and “reality TV” shows…especially if they pertain to sewing or cooking! So I am currently watching a fashion design show called “Under the Gunn”. Three winners from former seasons of “Project Runway” are mentoring up-and-coming fashion designers…and offering them advice and encouragement as they compete for cash and prizes each week. One of the current mentors has had a terrible time restraining himself. He doesn’t want to truly “mentor” his prodigies…he wants to design their garments, select the fabric, and tell them how to sew the garments! He has had to be “reined in” by Tim Gunn, the show’s host…and Gunn has even had to specifically “call him out” for his over-zealous – and bossy – actions.
The designer feels like he knows best. But he is does not allow the younger designers to grow and learn. Gunn instructed him to ask more questions…to compliment when appropriate – and to encourage as needed by asking, “What do you think? How do you feel that is really looking or fitting the challenge?” Even asking “Have you considered trying another fabric, color, or construction method?” rather than saying, “Why don’t you do ABC?” would be acceptable. The mentoring designer took this advice to heart, and the results were a vast improvement. One of his designer-contestants even won the weekly competition!
Too many of us are “bossy Christians”. Instead of loving and encouraging…and leading by example…we want to cut to the chase and tell others, “You’re wrong!” or “You need to pray harder”…or even “Get over yourself!” I’ve been reading recently about how insensitive people have been to Pastor Rick and Kathy Warren, who lost their son to suicide almost a year ago. Many have complained that this author of The Purpose Driven Life and his wife should be back at the church preaching and going on with their lives…that they have grieved long enough. Kathy Warren wrote about this recently in a blog post, in which she said that there is no time limit on grief…and for the record, she and Rick will never, ever be the same people as a result of their tragic loss. They are forever changed. Friends have expressed to me in recent days how others have been insensitive to them as they grieved the loss of a loved one…and many of those critics were doing so under the guise of “Christian love”.
Being a Christian does not make us instant authorities about anything. Being a pastor or church leader does not entitle one to boss others around, either. We must think about what we say from the pulpit…in Sunday school classes and Bible studies…and yes – even in these devotionals. I include myself when I say that we must all make a concerted, intentional effort not to hurt others with our words and actions…and hurt our Christian witness by default. Think of Jesus…did He publicly condemn the woman at the well? Did He chime in and admonish the prostitute who was about to be stoned? Did he lecture and humiliate Zacchaeus…or Saul as he traveled on the road to Damascus? Did Jesus look down His nose at Judas…or Peter? Who do we think we are to do such things in His name?
As you go about your day, think of Jesus. I know it sounds cliché, but ask yourself…“What would Jesus do?” Stop, take a breath, and say a quick prayer to seek guidance and wisdom before you react and respond to others. Operate in love and compassion…not bossiness and arrogance. Remind yourself that we are servants of the Most High God…even if He has placed you in a position of leadership. Ask God to give you a hefty dose of humility as you serve Him…to help you to truly serve by example and demonstrate Jesus’ teachings – and love – to others.
When the mentoring designer’s “student” won the competition, he was ecstatic. He saw that his kind and gentle approach had paid off in benefits both tangible and intrinsic. And so it is for us, as we strive to emulate Jesus in our discipleship. God will bless us…He will use us as “mentoring shepherds” for others…and we will feel the joy of His blessings and rewards for our obedience. We are called to serve as witnesses, leaders and mentors for God…not bosses, critics and overseers. How are you doing these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
No comments:
Post a Comment