1 Peter 5:2-6
Feed the flock of God; care for it willingly, not grudgingly; not for what you will get out of it but because you are eager to serve the Lord. Don’t be tyrants, but lead them by your good example, and when the Head Shepherd comes, your reward will be a never-ending share in his glory and honor.
You younger men, follow the leadership of those who are older. And all of you serve each other with humble spirits, for God gives special blessings to those who are humble, but sets himself against those who are proud. If you will humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, in his good time he will lift you up.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My daily calendar quote, for this date (attributed to the late Erma Bombeck) says, “My second favorite household chore is ironing – my first being hitting my head on the top of the bunk bed until I faint!” Now, I happen to like ironing. I like the satisfaction that comes with making the clothes crisp and wrinkle-free. I prefer starched jeans, while my husband wants his without starch. Honestly, it takes as almost much time to set up the ironing board, spray the clothing with starch, gather hangers, and get organized as it does to press the items. But in all, I take great pride in a job well done – and in wearing neatly pressed clothing.
A lot of folks (especially younger generations) – don’t iron their clothing – and it shows! I saw a legal “expert” who was speaking on a cable news station last week, and the collar and front placket of the shirt he wore underneath a sport jacket were so wrinkled I had to wonder, “How are we to trust someone who cannot even iron his shirt and make himself presentable?” Yes, I know this is judgmental and maybe a little petty…but there is something about caring how we present ourselves to others that seems to align with these words in 1 Peter.
We are to lead by example, which means that we are to put our best foot forward as representatives of God and disciples of Jesus. We are to be “clean and neatly pressed” in our words and actions…careful to pay attention to the details and “wrinkles,” and at the same time – never judgmental of those who are not as “put together.” We are to demonstrate quietly and humbly what it means to live, love and serve well – and always offer God our very best – even in our physical, verbal, and spiritual “appearance.”
Lately, I’ve seen some “Christians” go at each other on social media. While this is nothing new, it seems to be getting worse. Each “side” is ready to cram his/her opinions and rhetoric down the throat of the other. This is not how God calls on us to share the love of Christ – or to demonstrate His teachings. We do not “win friends and influence people” – or further the Kingdom of Heaven – with tyranny and a “my-way-or-the-highway” attitude. God is calling on us to “press our shirts and jeans” and humbly present a polished representation of the love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, inclusion, hope and joy of His Kingdom.
When we show up and offer our best on His behalf, God is glorified. In due time, He will honor our humble service and discipleship. Don’t do this for your own glory or blessings – do it because God will be pleased – and His Kingdom will be enriched. This is the goal – or it should be! Alleluia!
©2024 Debbie Robus
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