PETER: The Expressive Sanguine

Throughout this post-series on Biblical leadership, we’ve learned that it’s wrong to solely rely on our natural tendencies and attributes. Moreover, it’s wrong to think that God will only require us to use what comes naturally to us, or what we’re comfortable with.

In fact, God almost always requires us to leave our comfort zones; to use what does not come naturally to us.

At the end of Peter’s life, we see that he understands this better than anyone.

In Peter’s epistles, we see the writing of a very different man than we see in the Gospels. We read the words of a calmer, more precise man, calling for submission, humility and passion.

1st & 2nd Peter

In these two small books of the Bible, we find some amazing application and Opportunities To Influence. And on a more personal note, out of all the lessons and applications within this post-series, these three are the ones that I find most difficult.

These are the areas where I feel God‘s conviction in my life.

Domineering to Submissive

In 1st Peter 2, the man who was once domineering, is now pleading for the church to be submissive.

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” (1 Pet. 2:13-17)

Our submission to these words and the principles found within them is a huge opportunity to influence. When we show submission to the people who are in authority over us, we influence others to do the same. Weekly, if not daily, I need to ask myself:

“Who do I need to submit to? Where is God calling me to submission?”

Impetuous to Humble

In 1st Peter 3, the man who was once impetuous is now petitioning the church for humility.

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Pet. 3:8-9)

Our humility, displayed to our family, friends, neighbours, coworkers; is a massive opportunity to influence. It’s an attribute that will offer innumerable opportunities to speak into the lives of others. I know I need a lot more of daily, sometimes hourly.

“What area of life am I lacking humility? Where is God calling me to be humble?”

Emotional to Passionate

In 2nd Peter 1, the man whose earlier years of emotional response, have been transformed and focused into passion for the Gospel.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Pet. 1:3-4)

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 1:5-8)

We’re passionate about a lot of things, but we have a huge opportunity to influence others when they see that we are passionate about the Gospel. When people see us serving others, when people hear us sharing the Good News of Jesus, it influences them.

Which leads to the most difficult questions:

“Am I passionate about Jesus? Am I passionate enough that I’m willing to influence someone for Him?”

Our influence leads people either toward or away from Jesus. How we show submission, humility and passion can make all the difference.

Can I get your feedback?

In Peter’s second epistle, we see incredible zeal and passion. How’s your passion-level for Jesus these days? Where have you had to balance that passion with submission?

Please comment below or share your answer on Facebook or Twitter.