Obey Leaders and Seek Their Example

“¹⁷Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for ath would be of no advantage to you.” – Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)

Once again I am amazed by the power of God. I have studied this verse at least 2 other times over the past few years. Each time, God reveals to me another bit or more insight into what it means to be His.

I have had some leaders in my christian life who exemplified that discussed in this verse. Two men I specifically think of were deacons in the church, taught me in Sunday school, and were there when needed for my family.

The interesting thing about them was that by the world standard, they were not great men. They were not captains of industry or tech moguls. They did not live in expensive gated communities. They weren’t in or on the news. They were a school teacher and a construction worker. They were fathers and husbands. They were modest and caring for those around them. They knew the example they were responsible for with boys and men just like me.

As I grew in the church, I, sometimes without even knowing, lived the example they gave and followed in that example. I taught Sunday school, sang in the praise team, coached my kids sports, became a deacon of the church and sat next to them as a leader myself.

I can say that without their Christ-like example, I am not sure that is where I would have made it to. I am not saying that I was headed down a wrong path in life, but I am saying that I may not have made it to the leadership role they gave the example.

These men did all of this with only one thing in mind and that was to be the example of Christ each day in all they did. I have no doubt that had they wanted to be the elite of the elite they would have had no trouble reaching that goal, but their task here in this world was focused on Christ and that is what they did. Without complaining, without regret, these men followed Christ for me to see and follow myself.

Do you have someone in your life that is the example of Christ? What is it about them that influenced you? Are you seeking the example of the leaders in your life with Christ?