Mo' Money

"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." (1 Peter 5:2-3).

As I was reading this morning, I came across the above passage from 1 Peter 5. While reading, all kinds of thoughts about particular churches, pastors, and church leaders began to run through my head. I thought of pastors that fell into the wrong categories and others that seem to be great examples of what the writer is trying to get across.

This passage calls leaders in the church to serve, to oversee out of a sense of willingness. Sometimes, leaders can get into the role of serving and overseeing out of a sense of duty. God wants us to be willing to serve, to be open to how He calls us to serve, rather than to do things because we feel like we must...that it's some kind of requirement or hoop we must jump through in order to be an effective leader. A willing heart is what He desires.

He warns leaders not to be greedy for money. Have you ever been to a church where it seems like all they ever talk about is money? Generally, the talk is about how they need more...And, usually it's for a new building project and not for feeding the hungry. That's sort of a blanket generalization. But, in my experience, it's been true. I've been in churches where the biggest thing they do is their pledge drive. It's the main focus throughout the year. There are teams that work for 10 months for a single Sunday push for people to give more money. It seems like if the church would put as much energy into discipleship, evangelism, worship, and the like that the issue of giving would come naturally as a result of ones relationship with Jesus. Of course, that's in an ideal situation.

We are to be eager to serve! How many times have you struggled with being too eager to serve? Hmm...This really calls me out. Am I truly eager to serve? Do I serve out of willingness & eagerness or a sense of duty?

And, for those who are leaders in the church, we aren't to lord our positions over others. How tempting is that? It can be tempting to say, "Well, I'm in charge of this and this. So, you need to just understand that I'm in charge here and you need to follow my lead." I've seen this happen. Especially when someone has a really good idea that isn't our own. We get threatened that someone else might get the glory...someone else might excel...and we'll be found out to be just like everyone else.

Rather than lording our position over others, we are to be an example. You know, it seems pretty simple. We're called to Christ. He was the greatest example of all time. He came to serve, not to be served. He didn't take advantage of His position as the Son of God. Instead, he loved people, reached out to the hurting, and made the biggest difference in the world...ever. And, just as He humbled Himself to serve the world, we are called to do the same.

Just a few rambling thoughts this morning. Oh, don't forget to share your ideas with me of "I Dream of a Church..."