The failure of obedience in the church is evident in the society in which we live.
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.
I remember my first few days in boot camp. I was scared to death! I vaguely remember my first call home. I told my Mom, “I don’t know what I got myself into.” She reassured me that everything was going to be all right even though I could hear her holding back her own tears. Dad said, “Just do what they tell you to do and everything will be just fine.”
Child of God, you may not understand why God does what He does. You may not understand why God has you where He has you. You may not even like those individuals God has given authority over your life. No matter how you feel, obey and submit to their authority. Your obedience to the pastor of that church you have been attending will not only help that pastor but it will help your walk with the Lord as well.
God has given us authority in our lives to help us grow in His grace. In Ephesians 4:11, Paul tells the Ephesians that God gave the church some special men to lead and guide them in His Word. It says, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.”
Have you submitted to the authority of a local church? If not, why not? If you have, not only will you see growth in your life but in your children’s life as well. It’s as simple as “Doing what the Word tells you to and everything will be just fine.” Have you submitted to that God given authority in your life?
