Yet again, as in most of the New Testament letters, we have a concluding list of succinct instructions, each of which is worth thinking about at length. Let me help you to reflect on and apply them:
1. God entrusts people to all of us and makes us shepherds to some extent. Who has he entrusted to you and are you caring for those people? (vs.1-4)
2. I recently heard a great definition of humility: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.” Don’t expend your effort on trying to exalt yourself and make people notice you. Focus on lifting up others and think about how you can draw attention to God in every situation. (vs.5)
3. If you want to be lifted by God into the life you were made to live then you must put yourself in God’s hands. Are you willing to yield control to him? (vs.6)
4. If you are anxious, it means that you are still carrying the weight of your own life. Remember, tomorrow belongs to God. (vs.7)
5. There is one who is lying in wait for any opening you might give him to pounce into your life and destroy what God is doing there. Be very careful of the choices you make. Don’t open the door to the evil one. (vs. 8-9)
Reflect on and pray over each of these points.
Read 1 Peter 5:1-14
