This second Advent reflection comes from Barbara S:
1 Peter 5:4-7
When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open to rule, God will see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—God has had it with the proud, but takes delight in just plain people. So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; you will be promoted at just the right time. Live carefree before God, for God is most careful with you.
The author of 1 Peter was writing to the broad community probably of the late first century. He was addressing people of all stations, leaders and followers, young and old to help them put order into their lives. His message is as valuable today as it was to the people of this earlier time. We are to lead lives of authenticity and truth no matter what our role in life is. When life becomes a struggle, we must trust in God and know that God is always with us, loves us and cares about us.
“Be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs.” That was a zinger for me. I get myself in a lot of trouble when I find myself in a situation where I am out of my comfort zone and am trying to fit in. Often my tongue engages before my brain which leads to more discomfort. I do not see myself as a leader, but as a faithful follower. I have had a number of authentic leaders or mentors in my life, first and foremost was my grandmother, who raised me. She was a simple lady who had much adversity in her life but accepted life as it unfolded with quiet humility and faith. I’ve also had a number of good friends who led by example with a deep faith in God and love of people. I feel blessed to have my life enriched with such authentic leaders.
Do you have ancestors or elders in faith you admire? What attributes do you identify that make them able to mentor others? What would it mean to be “content with who you are?”
1 Peter 5:4-7
When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open to rule, God will see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—God has had it with the proud, but takes delight in just plain people. So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; you will be promoted at just the right time. Live carefree before God, for God is most careful with you.
The author of 1 Peter was writing to the broad community probably of the late first century. He was addressing people of all stations, leaders and followers, young and old to help them put order into their lives. His message is as valuable today as it was to the people of this earlier time. We are to lead lives of authenticity and truth no matter what our role in life is. When life becomes a struggle, we must trust in God and know that God is always with us, loves us and cares about us.
“Be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs.” That was a zinger for me. I get myself in a lot of trouble when I find myself in a situation where I am out of my comfort zone and am trying to fit in. Often my tongue engages before my brain which leads to more discomfort. I do not see myself as a leader, but as a faithful follower. I have had a number of authentic leaders or mentors in my life, first and foremost was my grandmother, who raised me. She was a simple lady who had much adversity in her life but accepted life as it unfolded with quiet humility and faith. I’ve also had a number of good friends who led by example with a deep faith in God and love of people. I feel blessed to have my life enriched with such authentic leaders.
Do you have ancestors or elders in faith you admire? What attributes do you identify that make them able to mentor others? What would it mean to be “content with who you are?”
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