Articles
“Peter Addresses the Flock”
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5
Last week’s article covered Peter’s words to elders in 1 Peter 5:1-4. In verse 5, Peter addresses the rest of the church. First, who are they? Peter identifies us as “you who are younger.” This is not a subset of Christians under a certain age. Rather, “you who are younger” are those who are not “elders,” another age-related term denoting their spiritual maturity, wisdom and experience. Peter is now addressing the flock, those who are not shepherds but the sheep, not leaders but the led.
Second, what are they to do? Peter gives a clear command: “be subject to the elders.” That is, recognize their position of authority in the church, listen to their wisdom and submit to their instruction. This is the order God wants to see in a local congregation. Just as the elders have a responsibility to lead the church, the church has a responsibility to follow the leadership of the elders. The only way we can do this properly is if we have the right attitude, which is what Peter addresses next.
Third, how are they to do it? Peter’s second command informs how we follow the first command: we submit to the elders by “cloth[ing] [ourselves]… with humility toward one another.” Submission requires humility. We need to humble ourselves enough to allow someone else to exercise authority over us. This is difficult when the people we are in subjection to are not perfect and we don’t always agree with them. If we think we are best equipped to lead (the attitude of pride), this discontent can easily lead to rebellion and the upheaval of God’s ordained order. Within the context of the local church, when the elders make a decision that we may not like or personally agree with, humility requires us to realize a few things:
- Elders usually have more wisdom than we do — Pride assumes we know more. Humility assumes they known more. Elders usually have more information on a given issue or situation. Having more information on an issue gives them a better perspective to make the best decision. Therefore, when elders make a decision, our initial reaction should not be to question their authority or write it off. Rather, we should trust that they probably know more than we do and assume they have prayed, studied and thought soberly about the issue. God says age and experience count in life. Elders are in the position they are in because they have proven themselves to be mature Christians (Heb. 13:7). Prideful fools refuse to listen to advice while the humble are eager to listen to the advice (Prov. 1:7; 10:8; 12:15). Therefore, when the elders make a decision or come to us with a concern, we should listen to them and trust their judgment.
- Elders always have our best interest at heart — Elders want Christians to succeed in their faith. The burden of their calling is our spiritual wellbeing (Heb. 13:17). How we respond to them can make their job easier or harder, the difference between joy and sorrow. Pride assumes the worst in them and questions their intentions. Humility takes the posture of goodwill and realizes they always act in our best interest even when they admonish and correct us (1 Thess. 5:12-13). Pride refuses to listen to rebuke, but humility shows deference to the wise by listening to their instruction (Prov. 15:5; 17:10).
- Elders sometimes lose their way — Is it possible that an elder or an eldership may be in error and in need of correction? Sure, no one is above the law, especially those who are in positions of authority. However, as is always the case, bringing a charge against another is extremely serious. Therefore, if it must be done, it must be done properly. Paul gives stipulations for this in 1 Timothy 5:19-21. Multiple witnesses are needed to verify the charge to ensure that the charge is legitimate and that the error is egregious enough to be reprimanded. In contrast to a society that accuses and slanders with abandon the church is deeply concerned with both justice and mercy. So while we have instructions on how to deal with leaders who have abused their position, Paul’s emphasis is in forbidding us from making baseless accusations against those in positions of authority. Pride looks for flaws and is quick to rebuke, whereas humility shows the utmost caution and grace in situations like this.
So, Christians are to practice Christ-like submission to the elders with a heart of humility. But why are they to do it? Peter explains with a quotation: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Peter grounds his instruction to church in the justice of God. If any of us (elders included) exhibit an attitude of pride and selfishness, we line up against God and should expect judgment. Therefore, the rule for everyone is to be humble. We’re all serving the Lord as forgiven sinners. So let us show the same patience and grace for each other that God has shown to us in Christ Jesus.
When shepherds practice Christ-like leadership by serving sacrificially and leading by example, and when members practice Christ-like submission by humbly following their lead, God will not only be glorified but he will bless the church with growth. At Dulles, we thank God for our shepherds, Tip and Craig. There is no denying their spiritual maturity, wisdom and love for God and the church. Let each member consider how they can make their burden of leadership a joy and not a hardship. Let us also consider how we are growing to become leaders ourselves.
