
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”
Hebrews 13:17
Following anyone can be difficult. Prior to the days of GPS, Google Maps, Waze, or any other address apps on our phones, often the success of getting a group of people together was the ability to follow a lead car well.
Some recent surveys have showed that over half of young adults who attend church do not have confidence in their leaders. Most of us know a spiritual leader that has gone off the rails. Most of us have been around a poor leader in the church as well. We all know that every human leader is imperfect, so that makes following leaders even more challenging.
But the scripture above is clear. We are to obey our spiritual leaders. So, this week we will look at what that means and how we can do that more effectively. It is interesting that the verse ends with a somewhat backhanded promise for those who do obey. There is some profit to obeying our spiritual leaders in a way that makes it a joy for them to lead us. Let us see if we can unpack this first heart attitude together this week.
God is the God of peace, fully reconciled to believers, who has made a way for peace and reconciliation between himself and sinners, and who loves peace on earth, especially in his churches.
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Reflection: Hebrews 13:17-21There is no obedience without submission and vice versa (v 17). Whether leader or follower, we are all ultimately accountable to Jesus and we serve to please Him. A request for prayer is a sign of humility and dependence on God. (vs 18-19). More so when we know that He is a God who gives peace and love (v 20). He is able to equip us (v 21) if only we let Him.
Prayer: God, thank You for teaching me how to be respectful toward those who are in authority over me. You make me shine! Your ways are perfect. Help me to be someone others can trust. In Jesus’ name, amen.