God wants us to keep our leaders joyful

Obey 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 that would be of no advantage to you. – Hebrews 13:17

When I first read this verse, I knew it was a keeper. Because like a good friend, it says what I need to hear, and not what I want to hear.

Sometimes I may not feel that my leaders are doing a good job of “keeping watch over my soul”, but make no mistake, God will surely demand an account from them. My part is to submit willingly to them so that they can lead with joy and not groaning!

In particular, this is a challenge for me as I return to serve in the youth ministry at my church. Submission to my youth pastor must come first instead of seeking what I think is best for the youths, often without much love and consideration for him.

I simply cannot build up the youths at the cost of obedience to what is plainly written in God’s Holy Scriptures. The ends does not justify my means! Strangely, I have a feeling that obeying this verse alone will result in a more fruitful time for everyone.