Jump Start # 3842
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.”
Many of us grew up with the understanding that if we got in trouble at school, we’d really get in trouble at home. Back then, mom and dad, didn’t run to the principal’s office with a lawyer at their side, ready to sue the entire school system because little Johnnie got in trouble. Nope. Not back then. If we got in trouble at school, death awaited us when our parents found out.
Our verse today shows the two sides of the relationship between the leaders, or shepherds, and the congregation. They lead and we follow. They are watching and we are listening. It’s a wonderful relationship of trust and love. The role of leading God’s people is serious. It comes with the grave reminder that those who lead will give an account. When done well, there is joy. When people are following, happy days come about. But, it’s the end of this passage that concerns us. The grief caused to the leaders. The grief become unprofitable for those who caused the trouble.
Let us put some thought to this:
First, it may be because of the grief factor that many shy away from serving as a leader in the kingdom. They have enough grief already. Work gives them a headache. Home can be stressful. Paying bills. Keeping up with things. Why add more grief to my life, is how some see it. And, it shouldn’t be that way. Maybe good men stay on the sidelines of the kingdom, because brethren are allowed to run their mouths, dance with the devil and dare anyone who challenges them. These grief makers distort what Christianity ought to be. They give the church a black eye. Can you imagine trying to answer the Lord because of your loose ways and wild attitude you discouraged some from serving in the kingdom?
Second, there is a consequence to those who cause grief. It won’t be profitable for them. They won’t get away with things. They think they run the kingdom but they don’t. How is it unprofitable? For some, it may come now. It may come from fellowship being pulled away from them. It may come in the form of rebukes and discipline. But, some through their powerplays run a congregation. Many run it into the ground. They may have the world by the tail and believe that they are not answerable to anyone. But, a day is coming. It will come. If not here and if not now, definitely later. It will be unprofitable for them because they have hurt the very people God has in place to lead. David knew better than to kill King Saul, even though he had good reason to. He would not lift his hand against God’s anointed. Yet today, across the Sunday lunch table, fried elder and burnt preacher is a common dish. Those that cause grief think nothing about David and how he recognized God’s anointed. It will be unprofitable for them.
Third, what a wonderful blessing it is when leaders and members joyfully serve the Lord. There is a love, trust and respect that is Biblically based and strong and enduring. The members know that the elders have their best interest at hand. So, whether it’s from the pulpit, or in a private conversation, warnings, reminders, helpful counsel is taken well. We forget and need to be reminded. We get our order out of order and need our priorities to be in check again. We get so busy with this life, that we forget about what is really important. Our leaders remind us. Our leaders show us. Our leaders are there to encourage, teach and help us. And, boy, when we take it to heart, we are thankful. We are so glad. Where would we be without those reminders? How far off into the wilderness would we have traveled? But our leaders were there. They were watching with tender eyes. They had a heart that wants the best.
And, when we make those adjustments, life is good. Fellowship is strong. Joy swells.
Now, here’s the thought from this passage. Your leaders think about you probably more than you think about them. Would you say that you are a joy for them or are you causing them grief? Have they said prayer after prayer about you? Have they met with other leaders to talk about how to get you back where you need to be? Are you a blessing or a problem?
Are you profitable to the kingdom or are you unprofitable? Sure is something to think about.
Roger