April 14, 2025

THE CONUNDRUM

Hebrews 13:17

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.

Personal Challenge

Life as a follower of Christ can be full of real challenges. We chose to go to the scriptures and the teachings of the Church fathers for guidance, especially when challenged with situations in life that appear to conflict with these sources. This verse instructs us to obey those who rule over us and to submit to them. This verse has often been used to force Christians to give into a ruling government that is not following Christian principles. By itself, it looks like that is what it is saying. However, backing up to the verses before this one, reading it in context, it becomes clear that this is referring only to our religious leaders and not our political and social leaders. We should always yield to the spiritual leaders, as long as they too are yielding to the spiritual leadership above them, which ultimately is Jesus Christ and His teachings. This is our conundrum and our personal challenge as followers of Christ, to always look to Him for our guidance and leading. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!