Friday, December 9, 2016
I suspect there is no such word as “accounter” in the dictionary. Even so, I took the liberty to make it up as I recently read Hebrews 13:17 (KJV) which says: “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.”Paul was clearly referring to the leaders of the church, mostly pastors. He wrote that these are they who must give an account to God. Therefore, among other things, I see pastors as being “accounters.”
This verse, like so many others in the Bible, is often misinterpreted and misunderstood, sometimes even by pastors themselves. Even assuming that they are genuinely called of God to be the spiritual heads of a congregation of believers, this does not mean that they merit the same level of obedience and submission we render to God. Neither does it mean that pastors have a right to Lord it over the members of their flock because these are the Lord’s sheep. Nevertheless, pastors, just like all others in some sort of leadership role, are placed there by God’s choosing. Romans 13:1 reads: “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.” This is important because there will always be some church members who feel that they know more than their pastor and I suppose that may even be true in some cases. Even so, God does not necessarily call pastors because they are more gifted, talented, or intelligent. The bottom line is that He makes no mistakes and He knows why he called them.
Even though they are imperfect and are prone to error like everyone else, God has called pastors to watch over His sheep, to lead and spiritually feed His flock. Going back to our initial verse, it is God’s will for church members to obey and submit to their pastor. When they make mistakes or use bad judgment, they are the ones that will have to answer to God, not the members. Child of God, the day will come, if it hasn’t already, when your pastor will say or do something you will not agree with. Don’t hesitate to approach your pastor if you have an issue with anything he said or did. Any true servant of God will always be ready and willing to explain his position or actions to members who approach him. However, please don’t do it continually, especially if the matter is not really important. Above all, pray for your pastor constantly. Make a sincere effort to do everything you can reasonably do to make him happy to be a servant of God because, besides God, his happiness or success may depend on you. Be sure of this: he definitely needs the prayers and support of his members.
God’s promise for today: (Jeremiah 23:4) “I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the Lord.
