Consider Your Ways (Part 1)
The Spirit of the Lord says: “Consider your ways.”
During this time and season, it is important to give careful thought to where you apply your efforts. The Lord tests the hearts of men and understands all our actions and our ways. As He searches our hearts, our intentions and motivations are revealed, allowing His Spirit to lead and guide us toward a higher alignment with Him.
Just as Jesus told His disciples that those who do the will of His Father in Heaven are His true family, the Lord is challenging each of us to take a serious and sober look at what we do and why we do it. Is what we are doing in accordance with His will? We must carefully consider how we steward our time, finances, words, relationships, and responsibilities. All of these aspects require careful reflection through the lens of His Spirit.
Activation:
Over the next two days, we will read through 1 Peter 5: 1-11 (ESV). Today we begin with the first six verses of this scripture. The Lord wants to stir your hearts as you hear His voice through the scripture.
Vs 1-4 – “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,[a] not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;[b] not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”
Consider where God has placed you geographically, spiritually, and relationally. Ask the Lord how you can serve as a better example to the people around you. If you’re a leader in any capacity, seek His guidance for a candid assessment of your strengths and weaknesses in leading and guiding others.
Vs 5-6 – “5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
It is in humility and surrender that we grow in wisdom. Ask the Lord to show you the
areas where you need to increase in humility towards God and others to better reflect the meekness of the heart of Jesus.
