by Ester yusufu | 14 December 2024 08:46 pm12
1. God Is a God of Order
The Bible reveals a consistent truth: God establishes order wherever He reigns. From creation to the Church, God sets structures of leadership that reflect His authority and wisdom.
In the family, God appointed the father as the head, the mother as his helper, and children as obedient learners (Ephesians 5:22–33; Colossians 3:18–21). Without this structure, a family falls into chaos. Similarly, when a child tries to take the father’s role—making decisions or assigning duties—the harmony collapses.
This principle of divine order also applies in society and the Church.
Romans 13:1–2
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
Authority is not just a human construct—it is a theological reality. Resisting legitimate authority is ultimately resisting God’s sovereign will, which has implications both for society and for our spiritual lives (cf. Daniel 2:21; Proverbs 8:15–16).
Just as He sets leaders in society, God appoints pastors and spiritual leaders in the Church to shepherd His people. These leaders are not self-appointed. Scripture affirms that God calls, equips, and ordains them by His Spirit.
Acts 20:28
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
Ephesians 4:11–12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Pastoral leadership is a gift from Christ to His Church. Pastors represent Christ’s ongoing ministry to His people. To reject them is to reject the authority of Christ, the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18).
Your pastor watches over your spiritual life—teaching, counseling, praying, and even weeping for your growth in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:12–13
“Acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.”
Galatians 6:6 (NIV)
“Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.”
Honoring your pastor is not flattery—it’s a spiritual discipline. It reflects gratitude toward God for His provision and ensures that leaders can serve with joy rather than frustration (Hebrews 13:17).
Pastors will one day stand before God and answer for how they shepherded you.
Hebrews 13:17
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.
Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
A pastor’s responsibility is eternal in scope. Their role is not just organizational—it is soul-care, directly tied to eternal consequences (James 3:1; Ezekiel 33:6–7).
When church members rebel, ignore instructions, or stir up division, they make pastoral ministry a burden. That not only affects the pastor but can also cause stagnation in the spiritual life of the church.
Hebrews 13:17b
“…so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
Consider the story of Aaron and Miriam, who criticized Moses because of his Cushite wife. God responded not with tolerance but with judgment, affirming that Moses had divine backing.
Numbers 12:7–8
“[Moses] is faithful in all my house.
With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles… Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”
Criticizing God’s servants is not just a social sin—it is a spiritual offense. Slander, gossip, and rebellion within the church grieve the Spirit and open the door to spiritual consequences (Proverbs 6:16–19; Jude 1:8–10).
No pastor is perfect. But when mistakes happen, Scripture teaches us to respond with grace and wisdom:
The enemy uses disunity to destroy churches. But love, patience, and mutual honor build a thriving community.
Unlike political leaders who deal with temporary matters, your pastor deals with your soul—the most eternal part of you. Their office is not just symbolic—it is sacred.
1 Peter 5:1–4
“…Be shepherds of God’s flock… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
God lifts those who walk in humility and submission. Honoring your pastor is part of honoring God’s kingdom agenda in your life.When You Honor Your Pastor, You Honor God
Spiritual leaders are God’s servants for your good. When you honor them, support them, and obey them in the Lord, you align yourself with the flow of God’s grace and order. But when you dishonor them, you resist what God has ordained.
Let us cultivate a heart that esteems our pastors, not because they’re perfect—but because God is using them for our transformation.
“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.”
— Matthew 10:40
May the Lord bless you as you walk in honor and humility.
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