Clothed in righteousness and humility 

The Apostle Peter is one of my favourite figures in the New Testament. A fisherman from Galilee, he was among the first disciples called by Jesus. What draws me to Peter is how relatable and human he is. He wasn’t defined by his finer qualities but by his raw, unrefined nature. He was an ordinary man, a rough first-century fisherman with all the grit, impulsiveness, and stubbornness that came with it. Peter’s story is filled with moments where his fiery personality takes centre stage—rebuking Jesus on the road to Caesarea Philippi, resisting Jesus’ act of washing his feet, and even drawing a sword to defend Him during the arrest in Gethsemane. He was headstrong, full of pride, and determined to do things his way. These qualities make Peter feel real and familiar, reminding us of the struggles we face with our own human nature.

Something remarkable happened to Peter. Over time, through his calling to serve and lead God’s people, Peter was transformed. He shed his pride, embraced humility, and came to understand that true leadership lies not in power or authority but in serving others and submitting to God's will. His transformation was not just personal; it set him apart in a culture that celebrated dominance and self-assertion. Through this journey, Peter discovered a key principle of the Kingdom of God: humility is the pathway to divine strength and grace.

In his first letter, Peter addresses fellow leaders, offering wisdom shaped by his transformation. He begins by identifying himself not as a superior but as a "fellow elder," placing himself alongside those he addresses. This is significant, as Peter could have asserted his authority as an Apostle, one of Jesus’ inner circle, but he chose instead to relate to them as equals. By doing so, Peter models a humility that transcends titles and positions, emphasizing that leadership is about service, not status.

Peter reminds his readers that they are shepherds of God’s flock, entrusted with a sacred responsibility. The flock does not belong to them but to God, and their role is one of stewardship. This perspective underscores the weight of their accountability, not to their own desires or ambitions, but to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. In this role, shepherds are called to serve willingly, not for personal gain or out of compulsion, but with eagerness and integrity. They are to lead by example, understanding that their actions carry weight in shaping the lives of those they oversee.

A central theme in Peter’s message is submission. Through his journey, he learned that leadership flourishes under submission to a higher authority. Submission fosters growth, maturity, and a spirit of humility. It disarms selfish motives and aligns leaders with God’s will. In a world where authority is often wielded for personal benefit, Peter’s call is for leaders to reject the throne of self and submit to the ultimate authority of God. True greatness in leadership is found in recognizing that we are not the ultimate authority but servants of a higher purpose.

Peter calls on leaders to clothe themselves in humility, a concept vividly illustrated by his memory of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. This act of servanthood left an indelible mark on Peter, teaching him that humility involves esteeming others above oneself and prioritizing the collective good over personal desires. Humility is not false modesty or self-deprecation but an intentional lowering of oneself to serve others and fulfil God’s mission.

Peter also warns against the dangers of pride. Drawing from personal experience, he notes that pride leads to resistance from God. When Peter acted out of pride or self-reliance, he was at odds with God’s will. In contrast, humility invites God’s grace and strengthens leaders to fulfil their calling. This divine grace empowers leaders to endure challenges, resist temptation, and lead with wisdom and compassion.

Peter’s exhortation to "humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God" is a call to surrender completely to God’s authority. The "mighty hand of God" represents His sovereign power and ultimate rule. It reminds leaders that there is no realm outside of God’s control and no situation beyond His influence. To humble oneself under His hand is to acknowledge God as the ultimate authority in every aspect of life and leadership.

Peter addresses the burden of anxiety, urging leaders to cast their cares on God. He understands that leadership brings challenges and pressures that can feel overwhelming. However, pride often drives us to carry these burdens alone, relying on our own strength. Peter’s reminder is simple yet profound: God cares for us. By surrendering our worries to Him, we find peace and freedom from the paralyzing effects of fear and anxiety. Trusting in God’s care allows leaders to focus on their mission with clarity and confidence.

Peter’s journey from a brash fisherman to a humble servant of God offers timeless lessons for leaders. His life demonstrates that pride and self-reliance ultimately lead to failure, while humility and submission open the door to God’s grace and power. Leadership in God’s Kingdom is not about exerting authority but about serving others, submitting to His will, and relying on His strength.

Through Peter’s example and teaching, we learn that humility and submission are not just virtues but master keys to unlocking the fullness of God’s provision and blessing. As leaders, our greatest calling is to align ourselves with God’s authority, trusting Him to guide, protect, and empower us in every step of our journey. In doing so, we not only fulfill our calling but also become vessels of His Kingdom power, impacting the world for His glory.