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Our attitude affects us, but it also affects those around us. We do have something to say in our current attitudes. There is a lot of teaching here that applies to everyone in the church, not just Elders.
1 Peter 5:1-4 – Peter first reminds his readers that he is qualified to talk to them about the frustrations that they are experiencing. He has experienced firsthand the teachings of Jesus. He has the same eternal hope that they have.
We should not have a grudging attitude
We should not be serving because we have to. The sincerity of heart, do it as to the Lord and not for man.
- Grudging service is not usually unto the Lord. Pretty much anything we should do but don’t want to do should be done as unto the Lord.
- Grudging service is not whole-hearted.
- Grudging service is not cheerful giving. Our service is one way in which we give to the Lord.
Be aware of when you have a grudging attitude and don’t just take it for granted that it is ok. It can come so naturally that we can just assume it’s “normal and right.” Think about what is something that a service I have to do for the church, or at work, or whatever… and is there a way that I can have a better more willing attitude about it?
We can get too focused on the results of what we’re doing. Sometimes things don’t work out quite the way we expected. Leave the results to God and be faithful to do the thing that you should.
We can help each other have a better attitude… be thankful for what people are doing, especially if it isn’t something that people notice.
Don’t serve for what you can get out of it
Have a sincere attitude, and desire to serve the flock and the Father. Having clear motives, not mixed is very important as we approach service.
Am I doing things in a different way because lots of people will find out about it?
Don’t have a “lording over” attitude
Peter is warning leaders against a “lording” or “grand” attitude and he is calling them to a “lowly” one. He is asking leaders not to think his ideas and thoughts are best.
A lowly attitude is what Peter is asking leaders to have. Peter is asking leaders to be an example, there is no service too lowly for a leader or for any of us. Leaders should be authentic and practice what they preach.
Jesus says the way to greatness is not by pursuing greatness, but to pursue lowly service. Is my position more important to me than transparency or honesty?
Attitudes for Everyone
Submission to those who are in authority over you can be difficult, but Peter says we should be in submission. The church is not going to function well without submission being true in the group.
Have a humble attitude. There are two dimensions to this, our attitudes towards each other and towards God. If we wear humility people will, or should, see it, it communicates something to people. Pride gets in the way of surrender.
Scriptures used – 1 Peter 5, Ephesians 6, 2 Corinthians 9, Hebrews 13