We Don’t Need to be Preaching to be Teaching

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxieties upon him because he cares for you.

Today, I was reading out of 1st Peter 5.

This chapter is directed towards Elders (or leaders in general). You might be thinking, “well, I’m not in a leadership position so this doesn’t pertain to me.” Well, I think mothers fall into this category as well because, as mothers, we are leading our children. So, as you read this, realize it may pertain to you in a few different areas of your life. I am a leader as well as a mother so I can direct it towards both areas.

This chapter starts out speaking about how we should be eager to serve and do so for the glory of God and not our own agenda. Don’t take your leadership role for granted. It is not our job as christians to force our personal opinions or interpretations on others. Rather, we need to always stay focused on the TRUTH which is found through God. Make sure we are giving God the credit He deserves.

However, be mindful when giving God the credit that it hasn’t become just a “phrase we say.” Say it from your heart and not out of habit. Make sure your actions are truly God’s desire for you, your family, your group or your ministry.

God can see our heart and knows our intentions. Nothing can be more displeasing to God than having us say “it’s for God’s glory” and having it actually be misleading because, rather than it being God’s desires, it is our own. In other words, say it only if it REALLY is for God’s glory and not for your own gain. Don’t use it as a justification for our own actions.

God put us in the position of leadership (and mothers) so that we can be an example to others of how Christ wants us to live.

We need to lead through our walk and not just our talk.

We don’t need to be PREACHING to be TEACHING!

We also must realize that we owe all of our favorable things to Him. We are only as good as HE makes us. And, therefore, we need to remain humble.

 “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

Part of humbling ourselves is to let go of our worries and lift them up to God. Realizing that He is in control of our life. In doing so, we will be following God’s will which results in gaining a sense of peace.

When we are at peace, our minds and hearts are more open to hearing God speak to us through His word. Our thoughts aren’t clouded by our own thoughts but yet able to see clearly His desires for us. He cares for us and truly wants good for us!

The devil is prowling for weak Christians that he can use for carrying out his wrong doings. We must “be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of suffering.” 1 Peter 5: 8-9

I believe that, as leaders (and mothers), we must be strong and diligent and remain someone who others can turn to as a guide to Christ. We must be firm in our faith and lead others in a way in which they can SEE CHRIST IN US!

This reminds me of the song by Colton Dixon which says:

Let them see You
In me
Let them hear You
When I speak

As we go about our weekend, let’s keep this in mind: with our family, with our children and also with those we lead…keep us focused on Him and allow them to see Him in us in our actions and in our words!

With Aloha,

Lacy