The person in this case is a spiritual leader. This is a command and Hebrews 13:7 tells us to "imitate" or "mimic" these leaders only after we consider their Christian faith. This means their walk with God and their doctrine is consistent with scripture. This includes their lifestyle and spiritual maturity (the result of their conduct).        Lording It. I heard of a pastor who was in the middle of a controversy within his church. He was apparently the central issue. Upon being confronted by a church member he told this member that to disobey him was to disobey the Holy Spirit. It should remind us of 1 Peter 5:3,     . . . . nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. (NASB) 1 Peter 5:3   The word for "lording" comes from the Greek word "kurios" which the New Testament uses for "lord." We use it for the name of Jesus - our Lord Jesus. Spiritual leaders are not to act as a lord, master, boss, or supervisor.        When Do We Submit? As we saw in Hebrews 13:17 above, we are to submit to the Word of Truth that our leaders teach us. We are also to submit to our leaders as they implement church discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-20. Scripture also encourages us to mimic the godly faith of our leaders (Heb. 13:7). Finally, we are to submit to the administrative guidelines and regulations of the church as outlined by our leaders because God has given them the responsibility of ruling well.        But there are exceptions! We are told to reject false teachers (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 John 1:7-11). We are told to discipline leaders who sin according to 1 Timothy 5:19-21 (see the example in Gal. 2:11-15). Hebrews 13:7 also implies that if a leader's life or conduct does not demonstrate godly faith, we are not to follow him. Obedience is not blind. Our leaders are accountable too!   Conclusion: Jesus' idea of leadership is to serve others - not to be served. We humans are funny creatures who always seem to want to control others. Listen to Jesus' words,     But Jesus called them to Himself, and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (NASB) Matthew 20:25-28   Jesus calls church leaders to humility. Would it not be wonderful if church leaders started voluntarily resigning when and if they became disqualified due to sin in their life. That would spiritually transform churches and glorify God!         < Back
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