Read 1 Peter 5:4
When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of
glory that will never fade away.
1 Peter 5:4
Christian workers may labor for many different kinds of rewards.
Some work hard to build personal empires; others strive for the
applause of men; still others seek promotion in their church. All of
these things will fade away one day. The only reward we ought to
strive for is the “Well done!” from the Savior (Matt. 25:21–23) and
the unfading “crown of glory” that goes with it. What a joy it will be
to place the crown at His feet (Rev. 4:10) and acknowledge that all we
did was because of His grace and power (1 Cor. 15:10; 1 Peter 4:11).
We will have no desire for personal glory when we see Jesus Christ
face-to-face.
Everything in the local church rises or falls with leadership. No
matter how large or small a fellowship may be, the leaders must be
Christians, each with a vital personal relationship with Jesus, a loving
concern for people, and a real desire to please God.
We lead by serving, and we serve by suffering. This is the way
Jesus did it, and this is the only way that truly glorifies Him.
Something to Ponder
In what ways do you lead by serving? How do you serve by suffering?