Peter's Principles Part 2

Over the last several years I have noticed an interesting phenomena associated with leadership.

I call it the arrogance of affiliation.

It seems that when people are in a leader’s inner circle there is a sense of pride – even arrogance - that emerges. These people become very puffed up about their proximity to the leader and this proximity causes them to see themselves as somehow special and set apart.

These people become enamored with their position. They become arrogant and stand-offish, losing touch with the "common folk" they have been called to lead.

So it’s refreshing to see someone like Peter call for a more humble approach to leadership.

If anybody could have been boastful and puffed-up about their affiliation with a leader, Peter could have been. After all, he was a member of Jesus’ inner circle. He was up close and personal with Jesus for three years. Based on this, he could have boastfully asserted his authority.

Yet, instead, he identified himself as a “fellow” elder. He saw himself on the same level with the others and encouraged them to be among those they led.

Peter provides the remedy for the arrogance of affiliation in verses 5-6: “ … all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time."

Let the self-exaltation be replaced with humility.

Let the arrogance of affiliation be replaced with an attitude of humble service to others.