"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away."
Those who are elders, the ones who have responsibilities within the Church, are asked to do several things. All that is asked is asked by another elder like you who had been through the roughest times and seen the worst of humanity. He is a follower of Christ and has this advice for you.
Take care of and guide those that are around you. Don't do it because you must or it is your duty, but instead with a willing and eager heart. I believe the proper would here is "volunteer." Be careful when you are caring for and guiding those around you, that you are eager to do so and are not dishonest or taking bribes or anything like that.
As elders, you are to live your life as you want them to live. This is better than acting like the boss and being in charge. It suits people better and they will take notice in a better way than if you try to command them. God placed them in your care, so care for them.
The day Jesus returns, you will be rewarded with a beautiful crown and it will never lose it's value or beauty because it is from God. So keep your chin up!
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