Presence Weekly: The Public Posture of Faithful Presence

1 Peter 5:1-11 The Paradox of Faithful Presence (Part 2 of 3)

[First Things]

1. If you are in Washington, please let us know if you are interested in joining a 14-week discipleship cohort (meets 8 times) using our new 1 Peter: A Guide to Discipleship for the Public Square.

[THE DEVO] The Public Posture of Faithful Presence

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: ² shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; ³ not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. ⁵ Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. ⁸ Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ¹And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. ¹¹ To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:1–11

Individuals make up the church. Peter’s instruction, therefore, is to the church and for individuals. Just as Jesus taught the disciples as a group, he was aware that each had unique manifestations of being fallen, fragged (traumatized and sinned against), finite, and fragile. Each of us brings to the church our own family of origin stories, personality types, communication style, Enneagram, or Myers-Briggs. As we are built into a spiritual house to offer spiritual sacrifices, our individuality is not obliterated. Instead, it is knit together with others in a beautiful chorale of worship. While our individuality remains, the tune we sing is recognized by the common features of the way it is sung. Peter uses these final verses to address the shared identity-markers of the members of this spiritual house.

Humility

Speaking to the full congregation, Peter says,

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another,
for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

These are words that proscribe and describe a relational distinction that is critical to living differently on whatever side of the earthly power differential you find yourself. We recall James and John asking Jesus to exalt them to his right and left hand, and Jesus responding that they were not to lord it over people the way the Gentiles do. Instead, they were to clothe themselves like Christ, to literally “put on” humility. We are also reminded of Paul’s words,

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, ² complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. ³ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:1–11.

For the church to have a faithful witness in the public square, the individuals who comprise it must be known for their humility, not glory-seeking and efforts to use every opportunity to exalt themselves. Servants and leaders in the church shape the servants and leaders that come from the church and into the public square. What this passage makes clear is that the Christian should be the ideal public servant because they are committed to a manner of service exemplified by humility, not domineering. It’s also important to point out that the humble servant is not giving up exaltation but taking comfort in allowing Jesus to do the exalting. This forces an honest self-examination of our draw for exaltation from anyone other than the Son of God.

Emotional Resilience

This study has not shied away from discussing the role emotional health plays in followers of Christ because Scripture does not shy away from the topic. We are fallen, fragged, finite, and fragile people called to participate in Christ’s mission of making all things new. Ignoring the emotional needs of people still awaiting the final restoration of all things would be wholly pastoral.

Our lives produce opportunities for anxiety. In his excellent book, The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathon Haidt explains,

Anxiety affects the mind and body in multiple ways. For many, anxiety is felt in the body as tension or tightness and as discomfort in the abdomen and chest cavity.! Emotionally, anxiety is experienced as dread, worry, and, after a while, exhaustion. Cognitively, it often becomes difficult to think clearly, pulling people into states of unproductive rumination and provoking cognitive distortions that are the focus of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), such as catastrophizing, overgeneralizing, and black-and-white thinking. For those with anxiety disorders, these distorted thinking patterns often elicit uncomfortable physical symptoms, which then induce feelings of fear and worry, which then trigger more anxious thinking, perpetuating a vicious cycle. The Anxious Generation, 2024, page 28.

What follows is not a “pray more” solution to anxiety disorder, which is real, and often caused by complex (repeated and prolonged) post-traumatic stress, like living in fear of having your children executed by the emperor, being arrested or executed for being a Christian, or growing up in an abusive home. The Adverse Childhood Experiences assessment is widely recognized as an effective diagnostic tool for the potential of a clinical anxiety disorder. In some instances, clinical medical care is an important part of addressing an anxiety disorder. There are many excellent Christian providers in this space.

Peter was not privy to this information when he wrote his letter, but the Holy Spirit was. As Jonathon Haidt points out, anxiety has devastating implications on individuals and whatever house they are a part of, including a spiritual house to offer spiritual sacrifices.

Jesus used an early sermon to address anxiety, telling his followers,

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷ And which of you by being anxious, can add a single hour to his span of life? ²⁸ And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, ²⁹ yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹ Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

³⁴ “Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matt 6:25 34.

As Christians, we are instructed to take our anxiety to the one who is the “radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word” Hebrews 1:3. Peter has saved some of his most pastorally caring language for addressing this weighty problem in the words “because he cares for you.” Our jobs and titles do not care for us, our material possessions do not care for us, and our educational and career goals do not care for us. As we have stated before, “No one can do your walking for you, but you were not created to walk alone.” We should share our anxieties with friends and family, who care for us, but as fallen, fragged, finite, and fragile individuals, we must realize that they were not created to bear the full weight of our anxiety and theirs. This is why God has gifted some as Christian and clinical counselors.

The public square is an anxiety generator for the servants and leaders working in it, and also for those who experience their work. Social media has turned creating anxiety over the public square into a multi-billion-dollar business. We have it in our power to cut down our engagement with anxiety-producing instruments. But, even without social media, there is still plenty of opportunity for anxiety. Like having your paycheck cut off for unknown periods of time due to political posturing. Christ stands ready, ready, willing, and able to take on our anxieties and offer us grace in return. Our ability to offload our anxiety onto Jesus is another reason Christians should be the best servants and leaders in the public square.

Perseverance

Rounding out the virtues of faithful presence are a series of traits that are all integral components of perseverance, what we have repeatedly referred to as a long obedience in the same direction.

⁸ Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

Peter addressed this issue earlier in the letter,

¹³ Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ¹⁴ As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, ¹⁵ but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶ since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13–16.

Perseverance as elect exiles requires a commitment to whole-life discipleship and engagement with the world that is not impaired by envy, greed, anxiety, political campaigns, or alcohol. As such, Peter’s re-emphasis of sober-mindedness, resisting the draw of sinful passions, and being watchful for sinful snares and evangelical opportunities is well-founded.

Application questions

In what situations do you find it hardest to stay clothed in humility? How does this passage provide guidance and encouragement for you?

How does others’ emotional and relational malformation affect your workplace? How does your emotional and relational malformation affect your workplace?

Consider taking the Adverse Childhood Experiences assessment at ACEsTooHigh. How does your score inform how you see your emotional and relational health? How does this inform your vocational life?

Note: Please contact your pastor or Faithful Presence if you have questions about your assessment results.

[Faithful Prayer] 

• Cabinet Agency: The servants and leaders at the Department of Labor, and Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, as the government shutdown has halted the release of anticipated job data.

• Think Tank, Lobby group, NGO: The Economic Policy Institute as they work towards an economy that is just and strong, sustainable, and equitable--where every job is good, every worker can join a union, and every family and community can thrive.

• Weekly delegation: The servants and leaders with the delegation of the state of Michigan as they seek healing and justice after the attack at the LDS Church in Grand Blanc Township last Sunday.

• News events: Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) did not release its monthly employment report—normally the most reliable indicator of U.S. labor market health. The absence of this data leaves investors, businesses, and policymakers without critical guidance for assessing wage growth, unemployment, and job creation.

• Personal requests: For someone contemplating a career change that would involve moving a family with teens (now with no paycheck due to the shutdown). For a senior official, overwhelmed with a project garnering a lot of national attention (now with no paycheck due to the shutdown). For a couple who just found out they are pregnant with their third child (now with no paycheck due to the shutdown). For a couple expecting their first (now with no paycheck due to the shutdown). For a senior staff member of a committee continuing to work on important and technical language for an important piece of legislation (now with no paycheck due to the shutdown). For someone trying to manage their ADD while serving at a high-level position in Washington (now with no paycheck due to the shutdown). For a couple working on fixing up a house they recently purchased (now with no paycheck due to the shutdown).

• For Congressional members and their key staff, working through the negotiations on a budget agreement to avoid a shutdown. For the thousands of federal workers who have no leverage in the budget negotiations.

[The Page, The Pod & The Stack]

• READ this FIRST → The Ligonier Ministry and Lifeway Research just released the 2025 State of Theology Survey findings.

• READ to this NEXT → This Christianity Today article by Kate Shellnutt examines the findings of the State of Theology Survey, what they mean, and how the Church should respond.

• STACK this FIRST → This piece, by Board of Advisors member and most recent podcast guest, Dr. Anthony Bradley, titled “The Shadow of Boys” on the experience of sexual trauma by men and boys, which intersects with our focus on emotional and relational discipleship.

• The Lakelight Institute has a great essay by Glenn Wishnew called “What Draws Ezra Klein to Christianity,” which explores why New York Times columnist Ezra Klein, a leading liberal intellectual, expresses fascination with Christianity despite not being religious himself.

• The Gospel Coalition has a thoughtful piece by Dr. T. D. Alexander on the Passover of the Old Testament and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

[What’s Happening?]

This Week 

• Tuesday, October 7, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm EDT, Baylor in Washington is hosting a panel on Politics and the Problem of Dirty Hands to discuss political leadership and morality.

• Wednesday, October 8, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm EDT, The Hudson Institute hosts a hybrid event, Relearning Great Power Diplomacy: A Conversation with Wess Mitchell, one of America’s foremost strategists, Wess Mitchell, argues that the United States needs to relearn how to build winning alliances, splinter enemy coalitions, and, when necessary, make peace with former adversaries.

• Friday, October 10, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT, Faith and Law is hosting Dr. Robert George to share his thoughts on faith and the First Amendment.

• Friday, October 10, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm EDT, The Trinity Forum is hosting an online conversation with Molly Worthen on charisma in leadership.

• Saturday - Sunday, October 11-12, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EDT, The Catoctin Colorfest will take place rain or shine, featuring local art, jewelry, crafts, and food.

Next Week

• Wednesday, October 15, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT, CATO is hosting a hybrid event exploring the Bank Secrecy Act, which was passed 55 years ago.

• Wednesday, October 15, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT, The Urban Institute is hosting a virtual event looking into strategies to strengthen coordination and integrity across human services programs.

• Wednesday, October 15, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm EDT, The Center for American Progress is hosting its virtual 2025 Ocean Progress Symposium.

• Friday, October 17, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT, Faith and Law is hosting Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing for an in-person forum on The Power of Forgiveness in a Culture of Rage.

• Friday, October 17, 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm EDT, there will be a free stand-up comedy takeover at District E featuring local and national comics!

[Two Thumbs Up!] Moving to monthly!

It’s always encouraging to learn that our reviews of books, movies, restaurants, music, and locales have inspired readers to “taste and see that the [insert book, movie, restaurant, music, or locale] is good!” We also enjoy discovering these gems, because every single one comes from firsthand experience.

Rather than lowering quality to maintain our Presence Weekly schedule, we’ve decided to adjust its frequency to at least once a month. Whenever we have something worthy of recommending, and no less than monthly, we will share the source of our enjoyment with you.

[Last Things]

If you enjoy this newsletter, please share it with a friend. If you want to join a Bible study, discipleship cohort, or reading group, please get in touch!

Faithful Presence exists to provide whole-life discipleship in the whole of life for the whole of the public square. Join us as we seek renewal in politics and the public square by becoming a Supporting Partner.

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