Hebrews 13:17 - “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

The trust and respect toward Pastors have significantly changed to a downward trend. It is due to the several reports of irresponsible behavior of many pastors. No one can deny these sad realities. I recently heard of a pastor arrested for a murder allegation charge against him. And worse, his assistant was also alleged to have participated.

We believe God is, and He will eventually reveal the truth. Let us reserve our judgment and condemnation until we know the real story. We must pray for him and his assistant. But should we change how we respect our leaders because of the sins and failures of others? Is it right to make a general impression of all based on a few damaging behaviors of some leaders?

I grew up having a father who was full-time in the Pastoral ministry. He was not perfect, but he represented his calling responsibly and with great care. Because of his example, all of us, his sons, answered the call of God, and we are now pastoring three separate Churches.

Our text today mentions God’s commandment on how we must treat our spiritual leaders.

1. OBEY THEM

2. SUBMIT YOURSELVES

These two commandments are not easy for everyone to obey because of their experiences with Pastors who have caused them to lose their trust and respect and also because of the negative news out there.

OBEY THEM:

Our current dictionary defines it as “to submit to authority and comply with the command.”

This is a commandment from God. It is not a request or a desire coming from a pastor himself. When we obey them, we are submitting and trusting the authority, who is God. The Pastors benefit from this commandment, and our responsibility is to obey this command without question.

When we obey, we focus not on the person but on his position, which God appointed him to fulfill. When we obey, we trust God in His decision to call and place him in his position of authority.

Romans 10:14-15 - “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? [15] And how shall they preach, except they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are their feet that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!”

SUBMIT YOURSELVES

Submit means to “yield to an authority,” and it also means to “be a willing subject to an authority.”

Again, we submit not to a particular person but to the authority of the pastor called by God. Pastors are not supposed to pursue their agenda but to fulfill God’s will. The act of submission must be because he represents God and His mandates. We are serving together to accomplish what God has commanded us completely.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 - “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; [13] And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”

1 Corinthians 9:14 - “Even so, hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.”

When we receive a letter addressed to us but not to us, should we be upset with the carrier of the letter? Is it fair to blame and accuse him of sending us the wrong package but with the correct address? They are but carriers of the package.

It applies also to the men of God. Many people have said, “I can not stand that Pastor. He is a good preacher, but his life does not agree with his messages.” I understand the connection and the effectiveness of a life agreeing with the message. But God has the prerogative to use whomever He wants to choose.

Conclusion:

Our responsibility is to obey and submit to God’s will. God knows what He is doing and why He is allowing it. Let us put our trust only to Him.

Pastors have a great responsibility not only to minister to the needs and demands of God’s people, but their accountability is before God. As Pastors, we will give an account to God based on how we obey and fulfill His desires in the life of His people.

Thank God for all Pastors and leaders ministering to God’s people! May God continue to bless and use you as you faithfully fulfill His will.