The Daily Fountain Devotional Sunday, August 14, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Sunday, August 14, 2022
Sunday, August 14, 2021
TOPIC: BEING A WORTHY ELDER
TEXT: 1 Peter 5:1-11
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Sunday, August 14, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
The word 'Elder' is used to describe certain persons appointed to hold a position of authority in the church and to have the responsibility of providing spiritual oversight of discipline, feeding, guiding and guarding the flock committed to their care. They are often referred to as overseers or pastors. To be worthy is to have merit and value. Apostle Peter in today's text admonished the elders (being an elder himself) to carry out their responsibility, not because they must, but willingly. He warned them to avoid Satan's trap of love of money and power but be an example to the flock. He emphasised humility and submission in interpersonal relationship, self-control in conduct, dependence and trust in God in times of need as well as exercising spiritual alertness at all times.
An elder is a leader and leadership is about influence. You do not need to dominate by using excessive authority. What is needed is exhibiting godly character and carrying others along in fulfilling God's purpose. At whatever level of leadership you find yourself, you must ensure that you lead by God's standard and keep yourself from the snares of the evil one. God is counting on you. Be a worthy elder and please God who has chosen you.
Prayer: Almighty Father, grant me grace to live worthy of your calling every day of my life in Jesus Name.