Humble Yourselves

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
1 Peter 5 (click the link)


REFLECTIONS:
This chapter is all about humility in and out of authority, and it’s so good to read over and over again. As I read it, I reminisce on one of the major things I’ve learned this year, and it’s about leadership. Leadership is something you want, until you actually have it. I lead the Christian group on my campus, and it is a huge task. I thought it was one thing to figure out something to teach on, but the logistics are KILLER! For me, it’s like I was the little kid in the back seat yelling, “Go faster!” and then I took the wheel and realized I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. “Jesus, take the wheeeeeel!” So I guess I don’t have much reason or grounds on which to be proud because of my authority, so let’s move on.

Next, Peter deals with those who are not in authority, or do not yet have the measure of authority they believe they should. We all know that when you’re not in the game, it’s easy to critique from the bleachers. Clothe yourselves in humility! For some, a day is indeed coming when you will get raised up to a position of authority, but don’t get haughty. When you do get raised up, it’s usually to a place of service. Peter, the one whom Christ commanded to “feed my sheep” as an expression of his love for Him, is calling on others to be shepherds of the flock with him. Being a “shepherd” is work, and he can’t do it alone.

One of my favorite stories is one that Heidi Baker, the leader of a huge ministry in Africa, tells. She describes an encounter with Jesus where she was essentially told that leaders are to always take the lowest place. Those who are in authority always need to serve. After all, Jesus did wash His disciples’ feet, Mother Teresa would take the last pair of shoes even if they were far too small for her and would deform her own feet, and you can serve just the same way.

In all these things:

He will care for you,
He will restore you,
He will rebuild you,
He will strengthen you, and
He will lift you up.

With Hurricane Sandy slamming New York City this past week, I’ve seen the exact thing Peter called for happen at my church, Hillsong NYC. The pastor has set up teams, where some are making food for people who lost their homes, while others are rescuing elderly couples without water in the top floors of apartment buildings. My pastor is raising up leaders to serve. Here’s a tweet from my church: “Shower, serve, serve, serve, rest, repeat. That’s the motto for the weekend until things get right. // Stop resting, no time.”


POINT OF ACTION:
Be an example. Serve Pastor Greg and the leadership at the church in whatever way you can. Really. Do it. Be creative. Then go serve the community too. If you assume a position of authority, assume the positions of service at our church.


PRAYER:
Jesus, don’t let us wait for a word from You on how to serve, when we have the Word in front of us telling us how to do so. Let us follow in Your footsteps.


WHO AM I?
My name is Jordan Bland, and I am so stoked about all God’s doing in New York City. Here’s a picture my pastor tweeted. This is normal at Hillsong NYC! Our motto is: Occupy All Streets!