i am an offering

I’ve been a “leader” for quite some time now.  People have looked to me for direction, people have followed me where I tell them to go.

But lately, I’m just starting to learn what it means to be a leader.  Notice how I said that people have looked to me for direction and people have followed me where I tell them to go.  I pray that my leadership becomes more and more that people follow me where I urge and plead for them to go, because of compassion, and because I want them to grow, not myself.

Peter handles it so well by saying this,

“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, 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)

Not because you must, not greedy for money, and not lording it over those entrusted to you.  But because you are willing, eager to serve, and want to be an example to the flock.

I have definitely fallen short in this area, and to those it has affected, I apologize.  My prayer is that I can begin to offer my leadership as God, through Peter, has instructed.