The Peter Principle
Scripture Reading — Acts 1:15-26
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty). . . .
Have you heard of the “Peter Principle”? It’s a management theory by Laurence J. Peter suggesting that employees will rise to the level of their incompetence. In other words, people can be promoted into roles for which they don’t even have the necessary skills. And people at the top are often not the best suited to fill those top positions.
What about Peter in the Bible? Was he suited for his position at the head of the early church?
Though Peter’s heart was often in the right place, he was prone to extreme ups and downs, from boldly proclaiming Jesus as the “Son of God” to denying that he even knew his Lord. But before Jesus ascended to heaven, Jesus gave Peter the charge to take care of his sheep.
So in the opening chapter of Acts, we see Peter speaking as the leader of the disciples and Jesus’ other followers in Jerusalem. He leads the process of selecting Matthias to replace Judas, who had betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders. From this time on, Peter stands at the head of the founding and growth of the church in its early days.
Was Peter suited for this role? In truth, no. Nevertheless, Jesus chose him, despite his flaws and failings, for a pivotal role in nurturing the early church.
Are we suited for serving Jesus? In truth, no—but he will use us, if we listen to him.
Before you, Jesus, we all fall short. Thank you for loving us and calling us to enjoy life in you. Help us to honor and serve you faithfully. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
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