By“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” — Hebrews 13:17 NKJV
In a generation of internet and social media, it’s easy for a person to tap a “follow,” “subscribe,” or “like page” button and assume that one is following a digital channel to consume its media. There’s nothing wrong with it. But with time, I’ve realized it’s easy for people to follow pages and profiles without being consistent with their media consumption.
Now that usually occurs not because of the followers but because of the multiple channels online and the algorithms of these digital systems.
Unfortunately, some Christians are indirectly applying this principle in Christ. How? By deciding to go to church or even join online ministrations, yet living an entirely worldly life at home and different places. Look above today’s devotional anchor text and see what Hebrews 13:17 says again.
We are encouraged to obey those who rule over us. In other words, we must follow and obey our leaders in Christ. Then it continues to say that we should be submissive to their authority because they take care of our souls in the Lord. Failure from us to do these things bring two results:
- It’ll cause grief in the leaders, and
- Our lives will become unprofitable.
Throughout the Bible, people who ended up as failures usually refused to submit to authority from their leaders. Someone like Absalom prematurely died because he failed to emulate the ways of his father, David.
Friend, if your Christian leaders and mentors are emulating the ways of the Lord, make a personal decision to follow them closely. Do what they do that glorifies Christ. You’re not a fool to submit to authority. Instead, God is protecting you from destruction and mistakes.
Closely follow your leader in Christ. He has more to offer you than what he (or she) does for multitudes.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer
Father, I reject any thought of rebellion that comes to mind against the leaders you’ve given me. Strengthen me to closely follow them, imitating the ways of Christ in their lives. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 141
Also read: Remember your leaders.
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