There is a joy surrounding good, godly leadership. The people rejoice as men and women take the lead in the Spirit. In the Church of Jesus there is no room for an alternative form of leadership. The CEO model isn’t valid. The dictatorship model isn’t valid. The sway of public opinion isn’t valid. The role of pastor/teacher, leader, overseer, or any other form of leadership is to be carried out in humble, self-sacrificing, servanthood.
Where there is godly, Jesus-honoring servant leadership and oversight, we are to match it with our willing godly submission. That’s how God has put the structure of His Church together. He’s given us His leaders and He’s given us the heart and desire to submit to them.
Hebrews 13:17 (NKJV) “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”
God has ordained leadership and authority in your life. Every person is under authority, and the Bible makes it clear that God has put people in your life—a pastor, a leader, a parent—so that when you get off track, they will take the time to love you by letting you know. When they do that, your response should be to receive from them as unto the Lord. Pray through what they told you, and take the opportunity to grow as a servant of God. We’re all under authority in different areas of our lives.
Where there is fleshly, ungodly, and unbiblical leadership, you are under no obligation to submit to that person. God never ordains abuse, mistreatment, or harshness among His leaders. As a matter of fact, that type of behavior simply reveals that man or woman is NOT a true servant leader of God.
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Pray for the godly leaders in your life this week. Take time to thank the Lord for how He uses them in your life. Ask the Lord how He might use you to encourage them.
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