TITLE: REMEMBER YOUR LEADERS

TITLE: REMEMBER YOUR LEADERS

SCRIPTURE:

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever…17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (Hebrews 13:7—8, 17 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

            Remember your leaders and have confidence in them.  Leaders, like all of us, are imperfect.  God has never called anyone to be a leader or, for that fact, anyone to serve him who is perfect because there is none.  It is not easy to be a leader.  Leaders were, at one time, followers of others who became leaders.  I believe with all my heart that leaders are not made but called. 

            I love this appeal by the writer of Hebrews, who encourages believers to remember their leaders, who spoke the word of God to them.  Leaders are humans with a need for encouragement.  There are good leaders and bad leaders.  But there are also godly leaders that we as believers must emulate and imitate.       I am reminded of what I must do with those who are leaders above me.  I have had great leaders, but I have served under questionable leaders.  The writer of Hebrews said what we need to do and learn from those who are our leaders.

• Remember your leaders who Speak and teach the word of God. 
• Consider the outcome of their way of life. I have been blessed with all my leaders who’ve given their time to mentor me. I get to see their lives up close.
• Imitate their faith.  This has been helpful in my journey with Christ’s leaders, who live out their faith and belief unwavering as my mentors. 
• Have confidence in your leaders. 
• Submit to their authority because they watch you as those who must give an account.  Leaders have the responsibility to watch over the flock for Christ.  They must give Christ an account of what they have done for his church. 
• Help your leaders do their work with joy and without burdens; otherwise, it will not benefit anyone. 

This is a powerful statement: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus is the greatest leader who never wavers nor is irresponsible in leading his flock. Christ is the most excellent shepherd and the one who never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The primary responsibility of a godly leader is to lead people to Jesus, the unchanging shepherd of their souls.  

APPLICATION:

            I am grateful to have had great leaders I had served under and those who continue to lead over me.  Sometimes, leaders need to be more appreciated by people.  I learned today that I must never forget those who have spoken the word of God over my life throughout the years.  I have learned to submit and learn under their leadership, and I have no regrets.  I am grateful for leaders who bend backward to help me grow in Jesus. 

PRAYER:

            Heavenly Father, I am grateful for those whom you have given to speak your word in my life.  I am grateful for so many leaders who have show me who you are.  I’m forever grateful for your goodness and mercy over my life.  Please help me to always remember those who spoke your word to me and to honor and respect them.  Thank you for your leadership over my life as well.  Amen!