Examples

DEVOTION 1 PETER EXAMPLES 1 Peter 5:1-4 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. NIV As this is speaking directly to a certain group of individuals it seems only right to just pass over it for whom, but those few, would benefit from this? Yet could this apply to every husband and father? Maybe it could even apply to women and mothers, especially in a society where so many women are single parents. Surely those who serve as shepherds, overseers, pastors have read this and know it applies directly to them and certainly are people who are not greedy for money. They surely serve only because of the call of God in their lives. It may be true there are some who have turned a calling into a very lucrative business opportunity making the most of their position, as well as deriving a great deal of pleasure being in front of large crowds who hang on every word they say. These same people live in abundance abusing those who they are supposed to serve, but for the most part the pastors of today meet these requirements because they are not just serving their congregations but they are serving God. So having said, it may also be wise for us who serve as spouses and parents to consider how we live our lives in front of those God has placed in our care. Should we not be examples to our children, and for some of us, grandchildren? Surely they learn far more from our lives then they do from our words. If we live trusting in money rather than God, are we not teaching a whole new generation a wrong way to live? How can we tell our children to do as I say, not as I do, Or do it because I say so? What kind of examples are we living as? Do we demonstrate unconditional love, forgiveness and without favoritism? Surely those men and woman of God who serve as pastors live in that manner. Surely they treat every member of their congregation equally. Does that sound like sarcasm? Perhaps it is, just a little, but still it might behoove all of us who have people God has entrusted us with to examine our lives, our motives, our purpose, seeing what kind of examples we are and adjusting accordingly not just to receive that crown of glory, but because that is what would please God. Be an example. Yes, we cannot all be perfect people, showing perfection as the example of being a good believer. But we can demonstrate the traits God desires in our lives, especially the trait of faith, for without faith no one can please God. Do those who God has entrusted in our care see us as people of faith? Do they see us believing in God with all our heart, our mind, our soul, and our strength? Do they see us living for God rather than for the ways of the world? What kind of examples are we?