Breath In...Breath Out: Applied

Those that God has placed in leadership have great responsibility. God has special roles for us to play in their lives.

Hebrews 13:7-16 exhorts believers to remember them. That is, pray for them that they would stay firm in their faith. We are also called to follow their Biblical faith as it manifests itself in godly conduct, character, and communication.

Hebrews 13:17-21 exhorts believers to obey them. This obedience is one guarded in Biblical reasoning and logic. We need to listen to them and watch them and obey that teaching and example that is in agreement with God's Word.

Hebrews 12:22-24 exhorts believers to salute them and each other. That is, we recognize them and know them and love them.

Remembering to pray for, obey, and salute our leaders is something we take way to lightly. These are men who have received a great call from God. How often do you think they would just love to go back to being regular men who are just in charge of their own families??? Yet, they do not. May we plead with God that He would continue to work mightily in and through their lives, keeping them standing firm in Him.

We must not underestimate the opportunities that the judgment of God brings.

When judgment comes, many find it as an excuse to backslide. If we would graciously receive God's correction and seek to bring His love and hope to those around us, I think we would be pleasantly surprised that times of judgment are quite fruitful.

May we trust in God and submit ourselves to His wonderful plan!