"Helping Your Pastor Minister With Joy"

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."
- Hebrews 13:17

This passage is packed full of truths. I could likely teach three to six lessons on this one verse. Recently, I wrote a devotion (based on this verse) to ministers about the minister's responsibility.

I want to direct this devotion to ALL and look at a few words at the end of this passage. Before I do that, I know some of you have been abused by those carrying the name "minister" and those who have misused the first portion of this verse. That's a devotion for some future time. If you are under that type of ministry (controlling, abusive), you need to get out from under that church and find yourself a pastor who SERVES his people.

Today, I feel the Lord wants me to encourage and exhort you all to get behind your godly (not perfect) pastor. God wants him to shepherd over you with joy. Your pastor carries a heavy responsibility in his position and needs NOT to be miserable in SERVING you (yes, true shepherds are SERVERS). If he is burdened down by lack of prayer support, unkind words (and gossip) and not getting the help he needs; not only will you have a hurting pastor, but YOU will also suffer from it by having a pastor who is having a hard time delivering fresh manna from heaven because he has been in UNNECESSARY battles that have occupied his time and have hindered him.

If your pastor is a man of God, make his calling a joy by supporting him in prayer, words and service. When your pastor is enjoying serving you, you will benefit from a more effective, blessed pulpit. Are you under a godly pastor? Be there for him, and then it will be a win-win situation for all.