I just finished a module course on the General Epistles and loved it! The class was essentially carefully reading through Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1/2/3 John and Jude for 40 hours. At first thought, it seems like a lot of money to spend just to read the bible, but the prof, Carl Hinderager, is absolutely the best guy to do it with and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Instead of writing papers and doing other assignments, I memorized the whole book of James for 75% of my mark; probably the best thing I have done in a long time!
As we were finishing 1 Peter, God made some words leap off the page and smack me (and my ego/pride) right in the face. Based on my previous post, you might know that I am struggling with finding my place in my community of faith while developing a philosophy of ministry that is usually not exemplified in it.
The passage is talking to elders on how to lead, but then follows with some words that almost seem like they were written just for me:
"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.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:5-7)
Basically, it seems like God is saying to me, "Stafford, time to keep your mouth from moving, submit to the elders of your church, keep relying on me and when the timing is right, I'll have everything ready for you." Even when things aren't going the way I want them to be, I need to remember that God has placed those whom I have issue with, over me in authority and I need to know my place.
Looking at this, how many church splits and infighting could be avoided if people were to simply submit even when they don't want to and always rely on God in humility? I know I could do with some of this a lot of the time. These verses have been burned in my mind and pop up whenever the seeds of discontentment through pride, start to show themselves in my life.
Helping Kids Make Smart Media Choices #2
7 hours ago
Posts
2 loud-mouths:
Good stuff Stafford - Nathan here (under Tamara's handle)
1:18 PMCrucial verses for every young leader (myself included). Personal submission is the gateway to God's timing in our lives. At least it has been for me.
Submission kills pride, allows us to appreciate and discern how God works without us empowered to orchestrate everything, builds character, and then when our character is sufficient to bear it, God brings us what we can handle.
I loved that class... we should recite James to each other... ;O). Carmen got to learn it with me while helping me memorize it, She loved the whole process.
12:12 PMAlso, totally hear you on this one. It has been something I have been learning very much this year. I am so grateful for the grace and kindness my elders team gives me. I have so much to learn!!! Especially on humility and meekness.
Post a Comment