Elders (5) – A proper mindset

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation).” 1 Peter 5v3 (AMP)

“Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead the by your own good example.” 1 Peter 5v3 (NLT)

Paul continues his exhortation to the elders (the spiritual leaders, and pastors), telling them the manner in which they should and shouldn’t tend the flock of God in their care. He says – don’t be overbearing, dictatorial or arrogant. Looking at some definitions (www.dictionary.com):

Arrogant: making claims or pretensions to superior importance or rights; overbearingly assuming; insolently proud

Dictatorial: Inclined to dictate or command; imperious

Overbearing: Domineering; dictatorial; haughtily or rudely arrogant

It is easy when put in a place of authority to become arrogant or dictatorial or overbearing, but Mark 10v42-45 (see below) tells us that it is Gentiles who exercise lordship over those they are ruling over. However, within the body of Christ, we should have the mindset of Christ,  Philippians 2v5-8 (NIV) saying “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!”

Supplementary Text

“But Jesus called them to Him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10v42-45 (KJV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father we thank You so much for Your Word. Father, Your Word says that we have the mind of Christ. Help us to indeed put on Christ, and have the mind of Christ in all our dealings and relationships with one another, in Jesus name, amen.