Humility in Church Relationships > 나눔과교제

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Stories about clergymen and leaders abusing power have been all too common in recent years. Pastors and leaders across Christian denominations have been charged with sexual abuse of their congregants, including children. Others have used tithes and donations to furnish a lavish lifestyle, with private jets and luxurious mansions. Some develop a cult of personality, requiring church members to follow their every whim and dictate. These stories are tragic for many reasons, but especially because they illustrate how far we fall from the call of Scripture to be characterized by humility in our relationships with each other. Peter has already described the humility of Jesus as our example for relationships in the home, and now he reminds all of us in the church to embrace humility.

Church leaders are to be “shepherds of God’s flock,” faithfully serving the people entrusted to their spiritual care. This was countercultural: leaders of organizations at that time, whether in business or the military or government, were expected to claim the perks of their position and demand subservience from underlings. But leaders in the church should view their position as an opportunity to serve. Rather than pursuing financial gain in this life, their motivation should be pleasing the Lord, “the Chief Shepherd,” to receive “the crown of glory that will never fade away”.

Lest members of the church misconstrue this exhortation and conclude that their leaders can be ignored or undermined, Peter also calls them to humility. The church should not be a place where people jockey for power and control. It should be known for love, humility, and hospitality, a place where leaders serve and care for God’s people and where members support and pray for one another.

Spend time today in prayer for the leaders of our church. They are human, and no doubt flawed. But pray that the Lord will strengthen their focus on the Chief Shepherd and their eternal rewards in order to faithfully care for the church.



1 Peter 5:1-5 (NIV)

To the Elders and the Flock

1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: ² Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; ³ not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,