Guest writer - Marty Broadwell Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:17 How do we make the job of our shepherds easier? How do we give them joy? The next four days were going to hear from, Marty Broadwell, who lists some specific things from his own experience as an overseer that will help answer these questions for us. Grief: Waiting till a personal problem (marriage relationship, personal sin, doubts, conflict with another brother) is far along into crisis to seek help. While the greatest source of sadness for elders is to see Satan succeeding in the lives of the flock (I Pet 5:8), unaddressed problems only get worse: the consequences grow more severe, more people get involved, emotions and animosities build, etc. Joy: Asking for, and following, advice earlier. Simple (even what if) questions allows elders or other wise brothers & sisters to provide guidance (James 5:14-16). The elders do not share details about personal counseling with others (even with each other, on many occasions). There is no greater joy for shepherds than to see the power of God working to change the character of a soul, heal a relationship, or to see the power of love expressed in stubborn hope and patience (I Cor 13:7), and true forgiveness. Father, help us to be proactive and not reactive in asking for help. Give us the wisdom and courage to ask for and humbly receive advice from our spiritual shepherds as they watch over our souls.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 11:52:01 +0000
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