“not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3).
A closer look at the word “example” offers some additional insight into Peter’s counsel from this passage. In the original language of this verse, the word translated “example” refers to an impact that creates an impression upon something else. (1) It can also refer to a pattern or model for making copies. So just as a machine tool leaves an impression upon a piece of leather or metal, a good pastoral leader should make the right kind of imprint for Christ.
Of course, the same is true for anyone who follows Jesus. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that there will likely be some who reject our good example, no matter how closely we seek to align with Christ. This should not be surprising, for there were some who responded to Jesus in a similar manner…
“At this point many of [Jesus’] disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, ‘Are you also going to leave?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God'” (John 6:66-69 NLT).
Therefore, we should seek God’s empowerment to set the right example as we trust Him to bring positive fruit from our influence in others’ lives. Paul the Apostle referenced this idea in several of his Biblical epistles, and one of the best-known of those references comes to us from the book of 1 Corinthians….
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1).
As imperfect human beings, we often provide others with examples to follow as well as examples to avoid. The following collage of Paul’s teachings on this subject should encourage us to persevere in setting the right example for others…
“…be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity… in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility… The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (1 Timothy 4:12, Titus 2:7, Philippians 4:9).
(1) G5179 tupos Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?t=kjv&strongs=g5179