Lead from the front, not from behind, continued

Let's refresh our memory of our verses.....

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (I Peter 5:1-4)

One thing that jumped out at me in that first verse was when I saw that Peter called himself a "fellow elder." I don't think he is claiming an exalted title here. I don't believe that he wanted glory, to be treated deferentially, like the grand poohbah in the scheme of things. (Grin)  He could have called himself an apostle, but he didn't.
I think he is expressing his willingness to assume responsibility and to suffer in the refiner's fire, along with the other elders or leaders of the church. In verse one, he talks about being a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and I believe he means more than hey, I was there! I believe he means he is bearing witness with his words and his life....he is alongside the other believers and the elders in the struggle.
In other words, he is practicing what he preached -- that elders should lead by example, and not lord it over the flock.

We mentioned that each of us can be considered an elder -- even if we are not the leader of a church congregation, we are a co-leader in the home, perhaps the leader of a church small group, and the person that our kids (and perhaps some unbelievers) are watching, to see our example.  Peter warns the elders against three kinds of failures: against laziness, against greed, and against pride.

Let's look in a little more detail!
Here is the first part of verse 2:

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;

There are two reasons why a believer could be "unwilling" to watch over others.....it could be that a person has a desire for comfort, and for leisure. It's easy to drift into a ho-hum or distracted pattern of life that will leave us unproductive for the kingdom of God.
We know from His Word what God desires from us; we need to avoid being sluggish and unconcerned.  We need to be willing.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3: 23-24)

The other reason why we may be unwilling to do God's work is that we are fearful. We have the power of the Almighty God to draw upon!

Do not tremble, do not be afraid.    Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?    No, there is no other Rock; I know not one. (Isaiah 44:8)

Peter also warns against greed. Look at the second part of verse 2:

not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;

Perhaps we don't look at our faith and our opportunities to serve as ways to make "godliness a means of gain" as we see some people do. But are we eager to serve? Do we look at our relationships with others as ways to gain some notoriety? Do we always look for an angle? We may not be thinking of making money, but are we pursuing our own goals of popularity, getting credit for work done, or for pats on the back all around?
Instead, let's do our work with "eagerness." In other words, love what you do! My grandma was fond of quoting what Paul said to the Ephesians, when he quoted Jesus in Acts 20: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Let's do our work with joy. With no ulterior motives.

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. (Philippians 2:14-16a)