Peter’s dramatic growth bids us listen to his challenges today
By Dean Collins
If there was a leadership opening in your business or organization, would you promote someone with a history like Peter’s? Would you hire someone from the outside with a track record like his?
This is how we remember Peter: We see him jumping out of a boat into the sea. Pulling out a sword and striking a guard. Telling Jesus he was wrong. Refusing to let Jesus wash his feet. Insisting loudly in front of others that he would never deny Christ. I think these few examples, along with others we could find in the Gospels, suggest that Peter’s behavior was a bit compulsive.
Dramatic growth
During my days as a therapist and when I worked as an HR consultant, I often received referrals to coach or help someone change this kind of behavior; otherwise they would soon be out the door. And my dilemma was that, sadly, I’ve found that not many people seem to change their behavior much. Many have trouble even understanding that their behavior is inappropriate.
Now, consider who wrote 1 Peter. You guessed it. The same guy described above. But notice the dramatic growth progression since his early days of discipleship! The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, along with daily surrender, can and will bring genuine changes to both attitudes and behavior. Peter knew himself well enough to know he would likely always have tendencies toward his earlier compulsive behaviors. But he had learned that when we come to Jesus with humility, laying aside our baggage and our stubbornness, God will raise us up at the proper time.
Worth the wait
There is inner work and ministry work to be done, both for those of us who are older and for those who are younger in life and in faith. Peter speaks to both groups in chapter 5. The elder population is called to shepherd those close by at work, at home, and in church. Those who are younger in faith (regardless of age) must show respect for their leaders and shepherds. And every follower of Jesus must humble themself before the Lord, casting all worries and fears at his feet. We can be confident that he will receive our offering and lift the burdens off of us as he lifts us up.
A central aspect of these few verses is that we each have a responsibility to be good examples for others, even as we wait for the Chief Shepherd to return in glory. And Peter reminds us that when he comes, whether sooner or later, the wait will be worth anything and everything we have sacrificed.
Your time with God’s Word
1 Peter 5:1-7 ESV
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Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash