Oversight

If you look up the word Oversight in the dictionary you will discover something interesting.

The word can either represent the act of taking responsibility for something, or it could signify the opposite, a failure to take notice.

Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.  - 1 Peter 5:1-3

In today's epistle, Peter warns the leaders of the new church to be good overseers, and by that he is talking about leadership and not about failing to see the truth.

He emphasizes two motives, willingness and eagerness, warning against compulsion and sordid gain.

What I do and how well I do it is determined by why I do it.  If I feel I am forced to take on a task I will probably resent it and do poorly.  And if I am focused on finding ways to take advantage of my position, I will fail for other reasons.

Peter is giving the early church leaders a lesson in being good examples for their flock, and much of what he has to say applies today to all leaders.

He advises them to stay vigilant but be humble.  Stay focused on God so your adversary, the devil, will not lead you astray.

We trust our leaders, whether they are in our churches and houses of worship or in business and government.  But one thing I learned in my long career as a manager of people in business is that leadership is as much a gift from the people governed and managed as it is a designated authority from those who rule above.

I can accomplish nothing with my team or flock if I have poor oversight or am motivated by self-interest.  I am soon discovered as a fraud and people lose faith in me if I do that.

So, as a community of faith, I believe we need to look to the source to pull all of us together.

If those who lead show all of us who follow that they are humbly and truthfully following God, the motives will be clear, and the chances we will be able to meet on common ground will be stronger.

So, let us pray that all in authority at every level seek first the Kingdom of God and trust in Him above all else.  Then we will all be good examples for our flocks.

More to come...