When I attended Bible college in Toronto, Canada, in the 1980s, I had the great privilege of studying under gifted Bible teachers and inspiring preachers from around North America and beyond, who were invited to teach in the college chapel. I didn't fully appreciate it at the time, but looking back, I am so grateful for their teaching. One guest preacher was Dr. Andy Telford, a tall, elderly man, who shook his finger at us and declared, "Young people, know your Bible! Know your Bible!" I'm glad that I took sermon notes that day! The Reverend Don Campbell, the minister of the church that I attended at home in Ottawa, was one of the greatest teachers and influencers on my life, and in many ways, I owe my development as a thinker and writer to him. I believe that good pastors are integral to healthy, growing churches, and the author of Hebrews urges us to obey our leaders and to respect their authority over us.

Hebrews 13:17-19 – Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honourably in everything we do. And especially pray that I will be able to come back to you soon. (NLT)

God has given us leaders to teach and guide us, and they have the right, therefore, to tell us how to live and walk after God. They carry a great weight of responsibility, and they are accountable to God Himself for the call that they have answered to care for our spiritual wellbeing.

We may not always agree with them, and we can share our opinions, but we should do that with respect. Indeed, at times, the direction of ministry can be guided by discussion of opposing opinions. And yet, obeying and honouring our leaders brings us joy and spiritual growth as Christians. The head and heart of the church is Jesus, and if the church as a body follows His direction, then He is glorified. God gives vision to our teachers and leaders, and when we as a body get in line with that vision, there is dynamic power for the ministry.

We are to pray for our pastors and spiritual leaders, for the strength to live upright lives and to lead us according to God's direction and inspiration. Are you a member of a Bible-preaching, Spirit-led church? As Dr. Telford urged us, do you know your Bible and live by it? Will you pray for those placed in leadership? I pray you will find such a church, and find joy and direction in the body of Christ.

Prayer: We thank You, Lord Jesus, the head of the church, for the power and direction to be a part of that body. We pray that Your kingdom may come, and that Your will may be done each day in our own lives and in those of our leaders. Amen.

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About the author:

Shirley Moulton <shirley_moulton@yahoo.ca>
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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