Follow Your Leaders

Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
 
TO be a leader in the church is often a challenge for several reasons. One is the great responsibility to guide people into a life with Jesus. For example, the Spirit gives caution to teachers because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly (James 3:1) Jesus warned the apostles, “On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.” (Matthew 10:18) Acts testifies to the apostles’ arrests and Stephen’s and James’ martyrdom. When Jesus called Peter to lead the church with, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:18) He also told Peter, “I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. (John 21:18-19) And Paul wrote of opposition from the churches in Corinth and Ephesus.
   From the outside and inside, church leaders are subject to rebellion, persecution and disobedience.
   Hebrews has emphasized Jesus’ supremacy over all things on earth and in heaven. The writer’s point here is to understand Jesus appoints church leaders for the good of his church. And the church is to follow its leader.
   Of course that does not mean you follow an apostate leader who denies Jesus and his gospel. But there have been and are many devoted people raised to lead Jesus’ church. God’s Holy Word says we must follow them, not limit them or redirect them, but follow them in righteous obedience. That means you understand God has placed your church leaders into their positions of authority. We should respect them with an understanding that God is directing his church, and we are not.
   Obeying and respecting your leaders gives them confidence and encouragement to work well. Indeed, it is a joy for the church when its leaders find pleasure and fulfillment in their work. A burdened pastor, teacher, elder or deacon will become a burden to the church.
   Work, then, in cooperation. Find encouraging words to speak often to your leaders. Help them know God is guiding them. Pray for them often. It’s impossible to oppose someone when you pray for them. You can often resolve disagreements with honest conversations and the Bible’s guidelines for effective, loving relationships.
   Remember, God has called church leaders to a great responsibility. Be a responsible Christian to help your leaders fulfill their calling.