5:1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

Are you willing to be second, or last, so that the kingdom expands, while your name gets smaller, but Jesus’ get bigger? Its not about promotions and demotions in the church its about playing your part faithfully.

Most young leaders (me) follow ambition more easily than calling. What gets me “up the ladder” quicker? What about getting Jesus up the ladder? Oh yeah…

What if you were never given a title? Would you still want to play your part in helping people know Jesus? Would you still want to open the Bible and help people know God more? Do you want a platform, or do you want to help people? Are you working / manipulating up a ladder in your church, school, or company, or following the Holy Spirit and you just happen to be gaining authority and influence? Are you stoked when your co worker comes up with a brilliant idea, gets a raise, more people in the city are helped and the company prospers? Are you excited when other churches in you area lead people to Jesus and explode with influence and fruit? Do you pray for them? Do you even know who they are? 

Don’t chase the title, chase Jesus and people, the titles will shift and your roles will change as the needs in the Church change, and you face different trials and experience different seasons in your walk with Jesus. Easier said than done, I get that. God will get you in the place he wants you, and no one can thwart his hand. The OT is filled with that happening over and over again. He really “cares for you” v. 7

Question: Are you willing to pass up a platform or take a smaller one to be faithful? What if you just need to wait? Sounds like what’s coming in verse 6.