Spiritual Leadership - Chapter 7 - Insights on Leadership From Peter

I find writing these blog post quite difficult. If I write about everything I want to talk about with the chapter, the post would go on forever. I feel this when I read this chapter on Peter. There are just too many similarities and too many stories that would either bore you to death or you would just stop reading. I encourage all who read this blog to fill in the gaps that I do not speak on.

The chapter starts with the Bible passage 1 Peter 5:1-7. Not only does this passage talk about respecting your elders and humbling yourself, but it also talks about humbling yourself to God. Staying submissive and lay your burdens on God until he is ready to move you to where he wants you to be. Peter was a natural leader. Where he went others followed. 1 Peter 5:2 says "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve." Peter positioned himself as a mentor being the been there made the same mistakes guy. He believed that the spiritual leader is to approached this position willingly and not to be thrown into the role. Moses tried refusing God's service due to his speech impediment, but God became angry and did not give Moses any excuses by working through his brother Aaron (Exodus 4:14).

Peter more tan likely had Judas in mind when he said that a passion for money would lead to a fall. An interesting quote from J.H. Jowett, "I am not sure which of the two occupies the lower sphere, he who hungers for money or he who thirsts for applause." Both examples in this quote can lead to confusion in the followers. Peter states that a leader should not be dictatorial. We seen this in the fall of Hitler's Reich in Germany. The spiritual leader must be an example for his people. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." A leader must also learn humility. Peter learned this the hard way in several examples. He refused to wash his master's feet (John 13:8 or when he takes his eyes off Jesus while walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). He also learned humility when he denied knowing Jesus before the crucifixion that totally changed his life.Peter says to cast your cares on Jesus. Three verses prior o his statement in 1 Peter 5:4 he states, "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

Reflection

1. In what ways do he following statement affect your acceptance of a leadership role? "Let us not pass the buck of leadership because we find ourselves incapable." Peter's teaching reveals he had learned a lot from negative experiences. What have you learned from your own mistakes? How much discomfort or dread of standing alone shapes your view of leadership or your present role as a leader?

There has been several times when I have refused to accept a leadership role, especially when leading a Bible study. Why? I was obviously uncomfortable and scared that I may say something that was wrong or taking something totally out of context. What I learned was the more I put my faith in God and the more studying I did, the better I got at it. Creating this blog was a big step that I took. By putting my study online, there is nowhere to hide. The entire world can see. Am I going to make mistakes. Of course, but we are always learning and being developed by the Master.

Chapter 8 - Essential Qualities of Leadership - Pre-Reading Questions

1. If you were granted one wish and could instantly and permanently acquire one leadership quality, what would you choose?

2. How can vision create problems?