1 Peter 5:4: And When The Chief Shepherd Appears, You Will Receive The Unfading Crown Of Glory.

1 Peter 5:4

[4] And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. (ESV)

Pastors/elders are those who are given the responsibility of leading God's people in the church where they serve. This task is not for those who are greedy for money or greedy for power. They are to be teachers of the Word of God. They need to be able to feed the sheep, God's people, and they need to be able to protect them from false teachers, who are really wolves in sheep's clothing.

The role of elders/pastors is an important one. With this responsibility comes an accountability. Those who preach and teach will be held to higher standard. In James 3:1, we read, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." Those who teach will be judged with greater strictness. God does not want his church to be led astray.

The Chief Shepherd. Notice that Jesus Christ is referred to as the Chief Shepherd. We can think of many titles that our Savior has. This particular title references the fact that he is the perfect example of how to properly care for the sheep, the people of God. Pastors/elders are also referred to as shepherds. They are to lead by Christ's humble example. They will be measured by that example.

Here is the good news for those who are leading the people of God as shepherds. They will receive the unfading crown of glory. The standard they are to strive for is the standard that Jesus set. They will never achieve that level. God will reward them for their service to the body. Thankfully, God's grace covers a multitude of the sins that, yes, even pastors commit.

Are you a pastor? Humbly serve the people of God, looking forward to the unfading crown of glory, your reward. If you are not a pastor, pray for your pastor. Serve faithfully alongside him. Do all things for God's glory.