Leadership Characteristics 1

Humble Shepherds, Humble Sheep
From Genesis to Revelation, humility (the opposite of pride) is a key characteristic of a true follower of Christ. Both those who are leading and those who are following should walk with humility towards each other. As we learn to submit to the people in authority, that trains us how to submit to God’s authority. And we know that when we submit to God’s authority and trust Him we can lay our anxiety on Him, because He cares deeply about us.

Perhaps the stubborn, individualistic, independent streak that we Americans hold so tightly does us a disservice in our relationship to God. Perhaps we should be more trusting of spiritual authority and more willing to be wronged rather than to always protect our own rights.

Relentless Predator
And just as sheep have a shepherd that cares about them, they also have predators that want to destroy them. Peter encourages his readers to be self-controlled and alert so that they can resist the Predator. We arm ourselves with pepper spray, lock our cars, and avoid walking alone through dark alleys. In the same way, we need to be vigilant for our spiritual safety. As we live in the Spirit, read the Bible, pray, and take every thought captive we are well on our way to becoming strong, firm, and steady!

Scripture:1 Peter 5:1-10
1To 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: 2Be 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; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Thought Questions:
~ What are characteristics of a shepherd? Do you act like a shepherd to anyone?
~ What does true humility look like?
~ Why is it important for the young men to be submissive to the older men?
~ Do you live each moment of each day as if you have an enemy trying to take you out?
~ What does true humility look like?
~ Why is it hard to give up all our anxieties?
~ Do you truly believe that God cares for you?

Bonus Scriptures:
Hebrews 11:6
Matthew 6:30
2 Corinthians 10:5