OBEY YOUR SPIRITUAL LEADERS

Heb. 13:17 Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.

First of all, be wise and discerning in whom you follow and obey. There are many false teachers and leaders out there. Make sure you are following godly men. Some who would lead don't consider themselves as being accountable to God. Ask yourself some very appropriate questions. Do their lives back up what they profess? Are they pursing God or the things of the world? Are they promoting themselves or the Lord? What are they doing with their resources that prove their godliness is the real deal? We live in a time in which it is so easy to be deceived. There are those who know how to come across well, and we must be discerning. If you can't be sure that someone is for real, then withhold your allegiance to them.

Obey those you know are genuine. Follow their example into godliness. Understand what makes them who they are in Christ. Do not disrespect them or make life rough for them. God has raised them up to help you. Their task is to watch over your soul. God holds them accountable for the care they give to you and the compassion they show. God brings godly people into our lives to blaze the trail for us. Learn to appreciate what they do and thank the Lord for them. Encourage them often for Satan is in the business of discouraging them so they will feel defeated. Speak well of them often before man. Show your appreciation for their godly leadership.

There is joy in serving the Lord, but so often we don't give our leaders reason to be joyful. We load them down with so much of our baggage and unrealistic expectations that they don't have the opportunity to relax and enjoy what the Lord has given them to do. Your spiritual leaders must be given consistent time for personal renewal. They must be able to see the fruit of their labors. They must be lifted up in our prayers.

The closer you walk to the Lord, the more joy you bring to the heart of those who lead you.