1 Peter 5:1-5 English Standard Version

Shepherd the Flock of God

5 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Think of one individual in your experience that you have submitted to willingly.

Odds are that person exhibits gracious humility. For all the respect and honor bestowed upon that person, they have not allowed it to go to their head.

They will choose their words wisely. They will consider the situation and offer sound advice that brings peace to doubt. Their lives will be ordered without chaos or clutter. They will be focused on the subject at hand. Their calm makes you comfortable, putting you at ease and reducing any stress you might have come with in the moment.

These are the attributes of one person I know has shown the best examples which inspire me to be better than my past. We should be inspired. They are human and have achieved a measure of grace, wisdom and humility which should say to us, “Christ can do this in me also.”

None of the attributes listed are restricted to title or position, gifts or callings. Peter calls for all of us to be clothed in like manner, to be an example to the next generation. Examples do not need titles to be effective.