Lead from the front, not from behind, conclusion

So far, Peter has told us that we need to be examples of willingness to serve, joyful work, and avoiding the pitfalls of greed and ulterior motives.
His last warning for us is this: avoid the sin of pride.
Here it is in verses 3 and 4:

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.

Pride is such a problem. It's the failure to realize deep in our hearts that without Christ, we can do nothing. A prideful heart starts to feel like we can be self-reliant. And then we start to feel like we are indispensable. And then we start to act up and exalt ourselves and seek the praise of others.

The Lord Almighty has a day in store    for all the proud and lofty,
for all that is exalted    (and they will be humbled), (Isaiah 2:12)

Ouch! And if that weren't enough....

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,    but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)

Paul warned us about this same issue:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

Here is the "biggest" problem to remember about pride....

In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;    in all his thoughts there is no room for God. (Psalm 10:4)

As believers, we cannot allow anything to crowd God out of our thoughts. We can't afford to have no room for Him. He must be within us each day.
That will enable us to lead with a servant's heart -- to lead by example.
Jesus taught us this, too, in Luke:

Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. (Luke 22:25-26)

Peter is telling us that when the fiery trials come, we should not try to run from them. We shouldn't wiggle and try to escape. We need to look around at those who depend upon us; help those who look to us for their example. Walk through that trial, leading from the front, for there are peeps who are looking at how we will respond to these ordeals.
These are pretty daunting responsibilities, no? A bit overwhelming? I don't know about you, but I could use some encouragement.
Never fear!
Peter gives us some words of hope in verse 4:

4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Now, there are some words to hang on to! What an awesome promise! Let's look back in Luke to see what Jesus said to His followers on this very same subject....

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:12-14)

In other words, there are a lot of things that we will do in this life that may be thankless. We won't get pats on the back; we won't get kudos; if we need a lot of strokes we are going to be sorely disappointed!
But if we truly believe that we will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous, then we will have both the motivation and the strength to do what He calls us to do.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:16-17)

There will be times when we feel tired and discouraged. We may feel like the trials are just too hard, the refiner's fire is too hot. But that will be because we have taken our eyes off of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
There is much work to do. There is a great battle to be fought, and we need to be out front, leading the way. Because there is a great reward beyond our imaginings.

Let's be joyful as we serve!