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NASB | 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. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 13:17 ¶ Obey your [spiritual] leaders and submit to them [recognizing their authority over you], for they are keeping watch over your souls and continually guarding your spiritual welfare as those who will give an account [of their stewardship of you]. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you. |
Bible Question:
How do I recognize my Pastor's authority over me if I cannot agree with everything that He teaches? Am I causing him grief by refusing to accept his interpretation of an area that we differ on? Because he has set certain prerequisites for ministry that I do not agree with, is my voluntary removal from serving akin to submission to his authority? I'm waiting on God for these answers, but if anyone feels led to be His instrument to clarify things, I'd welcome your input! If he is accountable to God for me, would it be best to part company if I can't agree with his teaching? Wouldn't this be profitable for both of us? |
Bible Answer: Mommapbs The church is an imperfect and finite instrument of God, created by Jesus, with the purpose of guiding men to God, through Jesus. It is imperfect, in that, even though it was created by Jesus, it is run by man. With man's imperfections, the church will also be imperfect. The church is finite, in that, the instant Jesus returns, the church will immediately cease to exist, since it has no other purpose than to help guide man to a personal relationship with God. This is also the role of the clergy (pastor, ministers, and so on). Being that the church is an imperfect institution, each denomination will have 'flaws' or areas in which not everyone will agree. If you leave your current denomination and go down the street until you find another - I assure you, that you will find new areas of disagreement. Your pastor has a sacred responsibility to maintain the standards which Jesus set forth. If he fails to do so, he will be judged harshly. If, the pastor is trustworthy, has reviewed the situation with honesty and an open heart, consulted others, and has prayed and sought guidance from the Holy Spirit. Then, the members of the church, for the good and the unity of the church, have a responsibility to accept his decision, as if it is without error. This means, with humility (or submission) accept his decision as correct - even if deep down, you may not agree with it. Anything less will divide the church and as a potential minister of the church - you cannot permit this to happen - that is your sacred responsibility. As a minister of the church, you will be accepting some of the responsibilities you referenced in Hebrews 13:17. You are accepting a sacred responsibility in guiding people to Jesus, through the ways of your church - not through your personal interpretation. If you are wrong, then the people you are trying to guide will suffer in their relationship with Jesus. Are you sure that you are prepared for the responsibilities of being a minister, or do you think that maybe, you should pray on it a little longer. There is no hurry to accept this responsibility before you are ready. Always remember, there are other ways to serve God with which you may be more comfortable. Brian |