Wednesday, August 21, 2013

    This IBS is Hebrews 13:17 "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."
    The first part is "obey those that rule over you, and be submissive" Well, the first question is who are those who rule over us? It could be our parents, our boss, or our government. Obviously if the government goes against God we don't follow them but, do we obey the rules they set in place that don't go against God? Do you believe God is in complete control? Then believe God put all the leaders on earth in their positions for a reason and obey them in the Lord. It's actually that simple and if you want to know if they are against God in a matter. Pray to God and then read His word, waiting for Him to tell you so.
    The second part is why God put them there, or one of the reasons. "for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account." I would not want to be a leader that did not lead people in the ways of the Lord. Because he "will" have to give an account for the things he did. How scary it is know that, I'm not just talking about the president or your boss. The pastor of the church has to give an account as well. Maybe you are the leader, if so then it may be time to check what you do in your position. If you can't see anything wrong then I suggest praying that God will show you if something is wrong. He did in my life and I know He will for you. Things I didn't even realize were in the way hindered me from a closer relationship with Him and that's why I suggest praying to Him. Your life won't be the same.
    The third and final part is "Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." We are to let those who rule over us do it with joy and not with grief. Not that they are going to boss us around and have fun doing it but, we shouldn't cause them any pain or be hard to work with. I know this in my own life. I've had a horrible leader who would blame me for everything. I admit that some of it was my fault but, not all of it. I wanted to defend myself and say things but, once I thought about it, it wouldn't be very Christ like to do so. So, even though I wanted to fight, I held my tongue and it worked out better than it would have if I fought back. Once he got out what he wanted to say and I didn't say a thing, it ended right there. What would I actually gain from fighting back? My pride, my dignity, and my honor. Did you see all the pronouns in that? Only I would benefit from it. God would not have benefited from it, My testimony would most likely be destroyed and I wouldn't be able to witness to him. I would actually bring shame on my family's name. Not mention on God's name. I actually gain more for not fighting than for fighting, funny old world isn't it?
    I pray God will continue to show me what I need to change to be more like Him.

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