“In the same way, you who are younger be subject to the elders.”
1 Peter 5:5 (CSB)
HUMBLE SUBMISSION
Peter opens the chapter by talking directly to those in leadership within the church and commanding them to shepherd the flock. That is to say, their jobs are to preserve and protect the sheep–that’s you and me. It could be easy to read a passage like this with a hand on our hips posture, looking at church leadership passive-aggressively to do just that. And there’s no denying this is within their job descriptions.
However, there is an important aspect worth considering. Are we willing to follow? You see, church leaders can only lead to the degree to which their sheep are willing to follow. While some may consider submission a four-letter word, Jesus’ life and ministry modeled a life of humble submission, ultimately calling us to the same. So, what does humble submission look like for those of us who are members of this body of believers at NorthStar?
A willingness to be known.
In a world of perfectly filtered squares, social media has led us to believe highlight reels are real life. The truth is, there are no perfect churches, marriages, children, schools, and the list goes on. But as we struggle in those areas, we must be willing to be real so that church leaders can come alongside to love and lead us. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This is how we love one another and spur each other on to the deeper things God is calling us to.
A teachable spirit.
Being known isn’t the answer to this humble, submissive spirit if we aren’t also willing to be teachable. This isn’t easy. Yet, Proverbs 12:1 tells us plainly, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is stupid.” As we grow in our knowledge of God’s word, we allow sanctification to have its way in our lives as we allow others to encourage us to love and respect our spouses, to parent our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, to view our time, talents and treasures in a way that glorifies the Lord.
A posture of prayer.
We are undoubtedly living in times when we are seeing Christian leaders, in their humanity, fall short of God’s call on their lives. In one story, a pastor admitted he was leading from an empty place. Are we praying intently for our leaders that they would be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and that God would give them a hunger and thirst for His word? Are we asking for an extra measure of boldness to preach all of God’s word, even when it steps on our toes? Are we covering their marriages and families, asking that God might protect them and be glorified in their lives?
Yes, Peter is calling our church leaders up, but he is calling us up, too. God’s created order within the church gives us the freedom to love God, love others, and live sent in a world that desperately needs the hope we have in Jesus.
Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders, and Collins. She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she is a high school English teacher Mt. Paran Christian School. When she’s not teaching, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.
