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. (1 Peter 5:1-5, CEB)
But this submit comes with an urging for those who are to be submitted to, to be like Christ.
We should also not do things because we think or feel we must. When we do things out of compulsion, they are usually done with regret, and things done for the Lord should not be regretted but done in love and humility.
So submit to elders, but elders love like Christ.
When we show love like Jesus, we are leading people to faith.
aSacredRebel 