I Peter 5 speaks to those who are "elders" among the people. (One ancient translation address "Those who are older.") Peter says to them that it is their responsibility to care for the newer members of the community. It is the task of the elders to look out after those who younger.
It is the curse of being in my age bracket - I often wonder whether I should assume the role of "elder" or understand myself as one of those being cared for. This past weekend I was in North Carolina for my niece's wedding. As an Assisting Minister in the wedding, I clearly had a role suggesting that I was an "elder" participant. But my other task was to care for my mother - helping her into her wheel chair and guiding her from worship service to reception. Here, I experienced the comfort of the familiar role of child and son.
Within the community of faith, we find ourselves falling into both roles as well. Most of you reading this are students participating in the campus ministry program at Clemson. As such, you look to me as elder and teacher. But then, during the course of a single day, the roles will change. You will, at some point today, find yourself in a situation where you will be called upon to provide care. You will have many opportunities to calm the fears of another. You will be called upon to fulfill Peter's instructions.
A sister denomination has a motto which reads, "Each one teach one." It is a beautiful statement of life within the community of faith. Each of us is a student - someone serves as our teacher. But each of us is also the source of insight, instruction, and understanding. We share what we have first received. We should not shy away from either role. Both are essential to the circle which binds us together as God's people.
Pastor Chris
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