Biblical Community - Submission

Good morning, Five Minute Families! Thank you for joining us this morning as we explore God’s great truth for families in bite-size, five minute, nuggets. Our desire for families is to learn more about God in their family’s unique way, based on where they have been and where God is taking them. We do that primarily at our Family Camp retreats at Clear View Retreat, but we also do that in our day-to-day conversations, staying available to one another and to those who cross our paths.But, we know that we must also seek counseling and mentoring, not just be the mentors. We must submit to our church authority and be respectful when the Lord is teaching us something new (or something for the twentieth time, which happens way too often, too).Hebrews 13:17 tells us to “[o]bey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” When you hear the words obey and submit, are they pleasant words to you or do you find yourself putting up your guard? As one writer stated, “Our nation was founded on a rebellion against authority, and one of our early mottoes was, ‘Don’t tread on me!’ We have a defiant national spirit that exalts individual rights. The concept of submission to authority seems wimpy to us!”Reality is, though, we should thank God for godly leaders: pastors, elders, and deacons, who watch over the souls of the flock. They have a burden to lead and to teach truth, and they are accountable for the direction of their congregation. Godly leaders share the vision God has given them and direct each one of us as disciple-makers as we all follow the Great Commission, together as a community of believers.Our church leaders are not infallible, of course, so as part of the biblical community, we must lift our church leaders up daily in prayer. We are also to work with them and seek their counsel when needed. They are like the battle field commanders with wisdom, experience, and discernment for the battle ahead. They have responded to the call of commitment God has given them through communicating the truth to their congregation.Hopefully, in your biblical community leadership, there is an obvious hunger for God’s word and an excitement when it is taught. Even when you want to submit and obey, how often do you find yourself arguing with him (often in your own head) or find yourself angry for no apparent reason? Do you discuss it with the pastor, blow off steam to another church member, or feel convicted but don’t want to face it?Feeling convicted of sin is a tough place to be. Five Minute Families, please take five extra minutes with your pastor or church leader instead of taking that frustration home and possibly out on one another. And, if you need some healthy counsel prior to that meeting, please talk with a trusted believer friend, counselor, or someone who knows God’s word who can give you truth.As we see in Proverbs 11:14: Without guidance, a people will fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance. Not only does this verse encourage us to seek counsel but also establish community. Let’s look at some questions to ponder about your and your family’s involvement in biblical community.When your church gets together, are you Bible-centered or attending more for social reasons?When others express their issues, do you want to speak God’s truth in love or express your own personal opinion?Are you involved in discipleship, actively learning and/or encouraging others in their walk with the Lord?Does your life, and your family’s life, have evidence of transformation in growth and love of God?Have you and your family repented of your negative behaviors and emotions (like complaining or selfishness) and are you seeking God’s truth rather than blaming your circumstances?Those can be some tough questions to chew on for many people. We know, we are not perfect and always need to seek God’s grace. Even in our struggles, God is good. Remember, Romans 8:28 says: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.Five minute families, go forth today, knowing that God is working and has called you to work with Him in getting yourself on track, getting your family on track and bringing God the glory in this dark world.