Advantage

DEVOTION

HEBREWS

ADVANTAGE

Heb 13:17

17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

NIV

First we have to come to terms with who are the leaders and without question this is speaking to those who have spiritual authority over others. This has nothing to do with Governmental leadership at all, for these leaders keep watch over others as men who must give and account, which is to God. So we must look to those who keep watch over our spiritual well-being for guidance and we should listen carefully to their words of instruction and encouragement in our walk with the Lord. There should not be any spirit of rebellion within us either. We should not be talking negatively about how they lead the church, the choices they make for the direction of the church, the way they lead, their personality or any other form of dissent. If we believe in God, and we believe He calls people to ministry and that He calls them to special places of service, then we have to know that He knows them far better than we do and He is directing their paths and where and how to lead the church to what He wants it, us to be. Now are there people who are leading the church astray? Indeed that may be the case. Some people are surely operating out of pure selfish greed for wealth and power. But God has given us the gift of discernment and our spirits bear witness to those types of individuals, who look to lead in a national media style, hoping to reach out and gather as many followers as possible to gain more control and wealth. But the leaders here are the local shepherds who actually watch over us, who know who we are, who sit and listen to our struggles, both physically and spiritually. These individuals are invested in our spiritual lives, seeking to strengthen us, encourage us, and pray with and for us, with full knowledge of all our weaknesses. These are the people we need to not only listen to, but to obey their instruction. We need to show them our earnest affection, and desire to obey their instruction, so their calling will be a joy. When we fight against them, write letters of dissatisfaction, or tell them of our displeasing attitude about something they are doing in their leading of the church, we bring burden upon them. This should not be. God is in control of the whole of the church, and our spirits should bear witness to the leaders He has called to lead us. Then we will be at a great advantage.