Therefore, I have a request for the elders among you. (I ask this as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and as one who shares in the glory that is about to be revealed.) I urge the elders: Like shepherds, tend the flock of God among you. Watch over it. Don’t shepherd because you must, but do it voluntarily for God. Don’t shepherd greedily, but do it eagerly. Don’t shepherd by ruling over those entrusted to your care, but become examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive an unfading crown of glory. In the same way, I urge you who are younger: accept the authority of the elders. And everyone, clothe yourselves with humility toward each other. God stands against the proud, but he gives favor to the humble. Therefore, humble yourselves under God’s power so that he may raise you up in the last day. Throw all your anxiety onto him, because he cares about you. Be clearheaded. Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. Do so in the knowledge that your fellow believers are enduring the same suffering throughout the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, the one who called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you. To him be power forever and always. Amen. (1 Peter 5:1-11, CEB)
Why do you do what you do?
On the day I wrote this devotional I stopped by Stella’s to get coffee. They have a cup that you pay $35.95 for and get free coffee or tea for life. Those of you that know me, know they are losing money on me. The workers know me now and today the young lady that got my coffee said, “have a great day at work. If you are going to work, you are going to work?” I responded, “yes but my work really isn’t work.” I get paid to do this, which still catches me off guard from time to time. Because I really love what I do and only when it was being questioned or pushed back on does it get stressful and become work.
Peter here says be a leader because that is what you are. Do it because you have been gifted, not because you have to do it or because someone is making you, but do it because God called you to do it.
When you know what you call is and you do it, it won’t be work.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 