OBEY THOSE THAT RULE OVER YOU

Hebrews 13:17 says “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

Ole Ernest has seen this verse used all his life to ‘keep the flock’ in submission/subjection to a pastor. The passage has been used like a cattle prod to goad a rebellious layman to fear the spiritual/eternal consequences of ‘disobeying a ruler’s orders.’ Another verse that is used for that same purpose is Psalm 105:15- Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. Lay people are taught a pastor is not to be questioned, challenged or quizzed and to do so is rebelling against God, because God put them in that position. God does set up rulers and brings them down, but is unconditional submission to a spiritual leader biblical?

Within the context of the passage, submission to a spiritual authority is based on two things- truthfulness and trustworthiness. Hebrews 13:7, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” Believers are to follow those who walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Spiritual leaders should be trustworthy and truthful.

The Apostle Paul provides the model on how spiritual authority should be exercised. Paul was an apostle, but he NEVER used that position to browbeat those around him. He (1) emphasized the message(Gospel) and (2) lived out the Gospel in his life. He worked with those who God had put in his path. He communicated and collaborated with them. He used other people in his ministry. It wasn’t the “Apostle Paul’ show. Paul used words like urge and appeal to persuade his followers to follow him. His success was based on the truth of the Gospel and Paul’s own trustworthiness.

A very wise pastor once told Ernest Lee; “It isn’t about us, Ernest Lee.” All too often we forget that and make it about us. We can use it as justification to rebel against authority or to misuse our authority. May God give us the grace to see that it ain’t about us. We need to proclaim the truth and be trustworthy.