Do you have a really great pastor? One that you trust and love and whom you know cares deeply for your welfare? Then are you submitted to his or her authority? Hebrews 13:17 says; “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.”

Yes, I know, there are terrible cases of pastors who have abused their power. Many have manipulated and controlled and have ended up leading their flocks far a field. Didn’t the Lord know all that when he inspired the scripture writer with that passage? Of course he knew and yet he still included it.

God will judge those who watch over his people – flock floggers will not get away with a thing. And it is true that we must be wise about whose authority we place ourselves under. Except for very serious doctrinal or moral errors, however, we must obey our pastors and be submissive to them.

That means no undercutting them with the decisions they make. No talking about them behind their backs. No ignoring them when they propose a new direction for the church. No leaving and flitting from church to church looking for someone who sees things your way. Obey and submit instead.

And watch your attitude. Here’s what the rest of Verse 17 says; “Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” Would you rather be profitable or unprofitable? Be profitable!