Make Their Work a Joy

Make Their Work a Joy

Hebrews 13:17 (ESV) says, “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.”

There are many responsibilities we readily recognize in the Christian life. We are to worship God, love one another, serve those in need, share the gospel, and remain faithful until death. But Hebrews 13:17 reminds us of another responsibility that is sometimes overlooked: Christians have a responsibility toward those who watch over their souls.

God has designed the local church to have spiritual leadership. Elders are not merely administrators who make decisions about schedules, buildings, budgets, and programs. Their greatest responsibility is far more serious: “they are keeping watch over your souls.”

Think about the weight of those words.

Faithful elders care about whether we are growing spiritually. They are concerned when someone begins drifting away. They pray for members who are struggling. They encourage the discouraged, warn those who are wandering, and seek to restore those who have fallen. Sometimes they must have difficult conversations because they love the souls entrusted to their care.

And Scripture tells us that someday they “will have to give an account.”

That should change the way we view spiritual leadership.

Rather than asking, “Do I agree with every decision?” perhaps we should sometimes ask, “Am I making their work easier or harder?”

Hebrews says, “Let them do this with joy and not with groaning.”

Imagine elders praying together and thanking God for the congregation they serve. Imagine them saying, “These brethren love the Lord. They want to grow. They listen to Scripture. They encourage us. They make shepherding a joy.”

What a wonderful reputation for a congregation to have!