When George Washington was 14 years old he decided he wanted to follow in his half-brother Lawrence’s footsteps and join the British Navy.
Lawrence got him a position as a midshipman (low-ranking sailor), so George packed his sea chest and was about to take off — then Mom showed up!
“And just where do you think you’re going, young man?” “I’m going to sea!”
She snapped back, “You’re not going to sea. There are pirates, storms, shipwrecks. Absolutely not!”
It was quite an explosive exchange. To stall for time, she wrote her brother in England for his opinion. He wrote back and said being a common sailor would not be in George’s best interests.
A young George Washington was greatly disappointed and sulked for several days. But he submitted to his mother’s wish — and aren’t you glad he did!
My point is simply that God works through the authority figures in our life!
When I was pastoring, my desire was always to be a shepherd worthy of my congregation’s respect and trust. I made plenty of mistakes — and did my best to own up to them.
Mistakes and all, hopefully my motives and heart were right. Before God, I led the flock as best I could, as a man who must one day give an account.
At this time in my life, I am like most of you: a congregant. For us, within the context of the church, the author of Hebrews has this message in 13:7,17: “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:7
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you” Hebrews 13:17.