Friday, January 15, 2010

respecting your leaders

Hebrews 13:17-25 (ESV)
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
[18] Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. [19] I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
[20] Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, [21] equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
[22] I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. [23] You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. [24] Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. [25] Grace be with all of you.

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. “
Well there has to be some obvious caveats to that. Obviously one could not use this as the Roman Catholic church has in the past as an excuse for the laity not giving to figs about the doctrine taught. One should be concerned about this. However, antagonism in the church, does no one any good. Being a pastor can be a hard thing at times. Especially if people are causing trouble for the sake of causing trouble, or out of some desire to be in control and show who is boss. Pastors have a duty to the flock in this case too. It is sad but sometimes there are wolves in sheep’s clothing causing unneeded antagonism in the church, making it hard for the pastor to care for the sheep. Sometimes they do need to be shown the door. And this is what this is getting at. Don’t make it hard on your pastor, your leader. Even if you do have some serious doctrinal qualms with what he is saying, you might hear him out peaceably, and in private conversation respecting him. Sometimes this works the best.

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