Setting an Example and Living Expectantly

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them -- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. – 1 Peter 5:1-4

Today, I want to wrap up our discussion around godly leadership by giving you two final characteristics of Christlike leaders. If you missed yesterday’s devotion, I would highly recommend you go back and read it so that you can learn even more about what it takes to be a godly leader.

In addition to being ethical in all things and being passionate about serving, as we discussed yesterday, a godly leader must also set an example for others. We often discount the opportunities that God gives us because we don't want to fail in front of other people and give them the excuse to blame God or blame us. But God doesn't want His leaders to be leading because they feel the pressure to set an example. You become the example in the process.

If you look at today’s key passage, you realize several things. Yes, God wants His leaders to set the right kind of example in how they live and how they do ministry. But if we look at how this verse translates from the Greek, it says, “But examples becoming of the flock.” This is an important concept because “becoming” is in a tense that describes “continually in process.” You become the example that God wants you to be as you are involved in ministry and involved in leadership. It is a journey, not a destination.

Finally, in order to be a godly leader, you must live expectantly. Living in today’s time is special because we can look forward to Jesus coming back. It is important as godly leaders that we live with expectation for the day that Jesus returns to take us to our heavenly home. Only then will we be able to offer back to Him the rewards He gives us for our godly labor and leadership.

If you apply each of these characteristics of godly leadership to your own life, I can promise you that you will see a difference in your life and, more importantly, God will use you in amazing ways to impact His Kingdom and give you opportunities to lead other people to Jesus.