Let it be a joy for your leaders to care for you

Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. Of course, living to love with Jesus has to do with relationships with various people. Already in this chapter the writer mentioned strangers, prisoners, the mistreated, spouses, and brothers and sisters in Christ in general. So it shouldn’t surprise us that the leaders of one’s local congregation should come to mind. Jesus loves those who lead us, and one of the ways we show our gratitude to God for placing us in His unshakable kingdom is by loving them with Him. In this verse, we learn 3 aspects of loving our leaders. First, let’s distinguish between two Greek words translated as obey. This is not the kind of obedience commanded of children to parents (Eph. 6:1) or servants to masters (Eph. 6:5). The word used communicates to persuade or win over. W.E. Vines says that in the N.T. this word “suggests an actual and outward result of the inward persuasion and consequent faith. When a man obeys God, he gives the only possible evidence that in his heart he believes God. Of course it is a persuasion of the truth that results in faith (we believe because we are persuaded that the thing is true).” So we are encouraged that our relationship with our leaders is to be guided by love, being persuaded by faith that it pleases God. So ultimately, our confidence in our leaders doesn’t lie in them, but in God’s faithfulness and love. This command isn’t calling for blind, unquestioning obedience no matter what they say or do. Our leaders are part of the shakable things on earth. But the love of Christ in us is unshakable, and we are persuaded that God is at work in all things for our good. He will make it profitable for us. Second, we are to submit to their leadership, guidance, and teaching when it comes to soul issues. This is not a blanket submission. Notice they are to give an account for our souls. They have no jurisdiction in family and work decisions. When it comes to the health of our souls, we are not to be stubborn or resistant to what they say to us. We are to listen attentively with an attitude of trust in God to use His servant to our spiritual benefit. When we relate to our leaders in this way, it benefits them. We are doing good and sharing the life of Christ with them as we were directed in the previous verse. Third, we have an opportunity to bless our leaders by relating to them in love. We are to let the watch-care of our souls be a joyful responsibility for our leaders. If we do obey and submit to our leaders in this way, trusting God, and with a humble attitude receive their care for our souls, there’s a benefit for us. This is implied because he said it wouldn’t be profitable if we gave our leaders grief as they cared for us. So I wrap up our encouragement today with this: If we live to love with Jesus, Jesus will love our leaders through us in such a way that they will consider it a joy to be the Lord’s under-shepherd. We want to bless them in His name. So if God puts one of your church leaders in your path today, give him a reason to rejoice in the Lord’s love and grace through you. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.