The Leadership Framework: I Peter 5

I’ve been thinking about leadership as defined from Washington DC, politicians. Some Americans resent calling them “leaders” because they’re just elected to serve ‘We the People’. “We shouldn’t call them leaders” they say. I disagree. The responsibility for national security and economic freedom are voted on regularly. Not to mention the countless bills going through Congress amount to significant authority over our lives. We can debate about how much of that authority is legitimate, but it’s hard to argue that they wield significant power to direct cultural, spiritual and economic influence.

In Chapter 5 Peter lays out a framework for leaders and followers focused on growth benefiting everyone. We all have responsibility.

 “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;” (verse 2)

The words “willingly” and “eagerly” suggest genuine interest in the well-being of the “flock”. Peter doesn’t say it here but the impression is that anyone who doesn’t share these characteristics has no business in the role of leadership (shepherding). Sadly we have too many examples of politicians who have enriched themselves and made deals at the expense of the public. But where a lot of Americans point to Washington and say “See, those are the bastards!” it’s only partly true.

The rest of us have a role here too.

 “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (Verse 5)

When you replace “younger people” with citizens, or those being looked out for, it fits into our model a little better. We have a role to make sure those we elect have some understanding of Godly morality and fiscal responsibility. This is tougher than it sounds. We can’t throw all responsibility for morality, spending and security on to some faceless crowd that resides in the ‘swamp’. Peter is clear that “leaders” have a larger responsibility under God, but those being led aren’t given a pass either.  

It’s easy to dismiss this as an elder in the faith writing to future believers and suggesting a kind of ‘best practices’ for getting along. True, this is written for believers (disciples) but the framework is ideal for any kind of business or non-profit. It’s an ordered way to live the most effective and efficient life. Another thing that isn’t stated but is understood is that when these principles aren’t followed life gets out of order. Greed takes over at the top or rebellion bubbles up from the bottom.

At a certain point we forget what the flash point was and ‘We the People’ stop listening to the leaders. The leaders become entrenched in personal deal making, dishonest gain and selfish pursuits. After a number of years the system perpetuates until it’s hard to remember who the real culprits are.

The spending is truly out of control and debt is a massive time bomb. But how many of us can say we’ve made perfect financial choices? Is the debt problem really just a federal issue? How about cultural and moral issues? Can we really hang all of it on politicians?

There are rewards for all of us when we follow this plan, both for leaders and followers. For leaders: “…when the chief Shepherd [Christ] appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”  (Verse 4)

So there is a larger goal to seek then momentary riches and short term perks. 

For followers: “Therefore humble yourselves under the hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (verse 6-7)

The theme here for both is to be submissive to a larger cause, a more meaningful approach to life that pays out in influence. There is a purpose in whatever short-term suffering we go through. The difficulty is in submitting to leaders, both political and non-political, who act frivolous and immoral. But behavior is ultimately judged by God.

Peter encourages growth in understanding and responsibility. “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (verse 10)

In other words, there is an end to current frustrations and a larger picture will emerge, when we settle our hearts and trust in the framework.