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SUBMIT TO YOUR LEADERS
LORD’S DAY, DECEMBER 14
1 Thessalonians 5:12

Hebrews 13:17

 

“…over you in the Lord,

and admonish you.”

 

SUBMIT TO YOUR LEADERS
 
As much as we desire to have good, godly leaders who labour, lead well and exercise church discipline, we must on our part learn to be good members. Logically, leaders must have people that are willing to be led. It is no point having the best leaders, if those who are supposed to be under them refuse to submit. Therefore, as we look at Paul’s instruction to know them which “are over you in the Lord, and admonish you,” there are important applications that can be made for the church member.
 
Understand that a church is made up of people. Every local church is a body of believers, a gathering of Christians who meet for the common aim of worshipping and serving God together. For a church to be healthy and effective, the people must work together with the same desire to seek God and to edify one another in the Lord. A healthy church is one where every person fulfils his role in serving God, whether he is called to serve as a leader or as a member. They must do their part well, all for the glory of God.
 
As members of a church, we must acknowledge the spiritual responsibility that the leaders have over our souls, as spiritual shepherds that care for the well-being of their flock. The role of the member (and part of every member’s membership vow) is to submit to their leadership and authority of the church leaders. It is not always easy. But if we trust that our leaders are divinely appointed to their office, called by God, then we can submit to them as unto the Lord. It is something that we must see as a biblical mandate, and not just something we do based on our subjective wants and wishes.
 
Of course, on the part of the leaders, they must be careful that they do not intrusively try to dictate every aspect of their members’ lives. They are not to abuse this power, nor take advantage of the godly submission of the members. They are to rule with the fear of the Lord, always guided by God’s Word.
 
THOUGHT: How will I respond if I am admonished for sins that I have committed?

PRAYER: Father, may I have a humble heart, one ready to submit.

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