Submission to Spiritual Leaders

Romans 13:1-2 is such a comforting verse. It is very much comforting to know that Our Loving God is sovereign at all times.

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. (Romans 13:1-2)

It is a comforting verse that our Loving Father, who did not spare His own, is sovereign even to the governing authorities above us. It is comforting to know that the God who graciously gives us all things is the one who established their authorities over us. 

I understand how critical it is to trust over to someone your very life. And it is only necessary that we responsibly choose and wisely decide before we put our complete trust to anyone. And I thank God that He sent someone faithful trustworthy, reliable and Holy such as Jesus.

Having leaders who are human in nature, they are imperfect too. It is imperative that we have our own personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Committing our decisions to God establishes our plans. (Proverbs 16:3)

It is also imperative that we pray for them. Being a spiritual leader is not difficult, it is impossible without God. And being humans like us, spiritual leaders also go through hard times, temptations, troubles, and trials. It is our utmost responsibility to ourselves to pray for our spiritual leaders for our very own benefit. 

Focus on God's Grace
Spiritual leaders are still human, who have their own weaknesses. 
When things do not go as we wish them, remember the grace that God brought you through. Trust that He who began a good work in your spiritual leader will be faithful to complete it. Speak the truth in love to them as you would any Christian brother or sister, and pray with them. 

I submit to my spiritual leader because that is the very reason that I joined my spiritual group. They help me see things that I still do not know as a Christian, helping me develop godly convictions, and teaching me the truth. 

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. (Hebrews 13:17)