Elder Leadership

 

    We know that life has suffering.  It holds all kinds of suffering: women unable to have children, families who have lost their children, people that feel world alone, pain for Jesus, and more.  If you keep your focus on God, then you can share in His glory.  It makes the suffering have purpose and meaning.  It doesn't make the pain any less painful, but it won't consume you.

    The elders are the leaders that are supposed to lead the people and teach them how to best seek God in all life challenges and events.  That is why we need to be careful on whom we elect to be the leaders of our church.  They represent us to the world.  They directly impact how we approach God and learn about Him.  

    The elders need to be willing and not forced into the role of leadership.  They need to be able to keep the spotlight on Jesus, so that his glory never fades in the church.  They are supposed to be submissive, so that they can teach us how to be submissive and humble because God opposes the proud.  They have lived through more than the younger people.  They come with a lot of knowledge and wisdom to be an example in the church.

    Give God all your anxiety.  He knows what it is.  He wants to take that burden from you.  All you have to do is let Him.  He loves you.  He cares about what brings you anxiety.  He wants to help you get through it and teach you how not to get it again.

    Be self-controlled and alert, so that you can resist Satan.  Stand firm in your faith no matter how much Satan tries to get in your head and place doubt there.  Your faith is your best weapon.  Pray out to God so that you will not be Satan's prey.  Pray that your suffering will have purpose and that you are not just a victim to Satan's deceit.

    You can suffer for Jesus together with your fellow Christians or alone.  It is your choice, but the elders should teach us how to be trustworthy among each other.  We should feel safe with other Christians instead of judged.  Trust that God will restore you.  He makes you strong, firm, and steadfast in His power, so encourage each other in His name.  Use your testimony to live in peace and help the restoration of other people.

1 Peter 5