Theme: THE SIN OF DISOBEDIENCE
Text “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”. – Hebrews 13:17.
Comment: In the text for today, St Paul admonished Christians to be obedient to those in rulership positions among God’s people in that they cater for the flock of God. Similarly he had written: “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation”. – Hebrews 13:7.
Today, some disobey the instructions of rulers among God’s people such as instructions on proper/decent dressing, godly conduct expected of Christian youths, good morals; like chastity, etc. Some deliberately disobey these godly instructions from elders because they view such instructions as old fashioned and out of tune with the present trend in the world. Such persons should recall the words of James the Apostle who stated that friendship of the word is enmity with God. – James 4:4.
Besides, the Bible tells us that rulers among God’s people have a duty to spiritually instruct and nurture the flock of God. (1 Peter 5:1-3) Jehoshaphat declared, “…Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” (2 Chronicles 20:20) To this end, St Peter admonished us, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake. Whether it is to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God…” – 1 Peter 2:13-15.