They Watch Out for Your Souls
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
God has provided a ministry and positions of leadership in the Church of God for the benefit of all (Ephesians 4:11-16). Both followers and leaders have a part to play in the growth of the Church and its spiritual work.
The author of Hebrews encourages Church members to obey and follow the ministry—to make their work a joy, not grief. Obviously, members only follow the ministers as they follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). But when the minister is following Christ and must give account for the Church, it behooves the members to make it as easy as possible—for their own benefit.
For more about the purposes and the blessings of the Church of God, see our section on “The Church.”
