In this next part, you may need to wait to attempt until you have established a couple of the previous topics in your daily walk. This subject deals with submission. We resent the word. We operate independently and don’t need anyone to tell us what to do. We don’t like authority figures, and they may have been the ones to hurt us in the first place. Remember, you started this journey to get past the hurt and heal in your relationship with God. Stay focused!
You can live for God anywhere, in any church, under any circumstances other than blatant abuse or wrongdoing. God will bless you if you honor the man he has placed into that position. Honor is the word I like to use. Is there honor in what you are doing? I am sure some of you think I have lost my mind, but God has dealt with me and my dishonor and shown me where I had fallen short. One of the most impacting books I read last year is Honor’s Reward by John Bevere (Messenger International, Inc., Palmer, CO, 2019). John explains how we limit God by ignoring this principle instead of embracing the call to honor and position ourselves to receive all that He has for us. It is an excellent investment to pick up a copy of this book.
Submit to your Pastor and his teachings. Keep a level head and discuss concerns with your Pastor, praying about it before you go and approaching with humility. If you come with the wrong attitude, you will immediately place yourself as the aggressor, and you may get a defensive stance instead of a Biblical explanation. If you check your spiritual moodiness, the way you are received is out of your hands, and you maintain right-standing with God. In most cases, Pastors are called and have a heart for the people and will receive questions with the best intentions. They want to help you grow in your walk with God. We should put into practice the direction given by the Pastor, revealed to them through their time spent with God, for the local assembly. Also, they trust the leaders in the church or over various programs, do you? There is usually an excellent reason as to why a Pastor places someone into a leadership role. The Pastor has placed them there and expects specific requirements of them. Make an effort to honor your Pastor and the leadership of your church! Review these scriptures:
“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” 1 Timothy 5:17
“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.” Hebrews 13:17
“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.” Hebrews 13:7
“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.“ 1 Timothy 5:17-20
“(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” 1 Timothy 3:5
“Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:” Philippians 2:29