Consider the heart

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 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; 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. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:1-5

I wanted to share just the last sentence of this scripture…but I couldn’t. It just didn’t say what I wanted to convey.

Leaders in the church…consider the heart of your team members. Love them. You are ministering to them as much as you are the people who come through the doors. God has entrusted them to your care. Lead them well. Point them to Him always. I can write these words because I haven’t always led well…but I’ve learned and grown.

Young people, learn from the mistakes and victories of those who have gone before you. They know things, I promise you they do. That knowledge has cost them a great deal. Let them share it with you. I can write these words because I have been a stubborn young person who learned the hard way.

Everyone…be humble. Just be humble. You don’t have it all together. You don’t have all the answers. But He does. We are all trying to figure it out. Let’s follow Him together.