Submission, what is it exactly?

Question

Hebrews 13:17 Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them -- continually recognizing their authority over you; for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to]let them do this with gladness, and not with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either]. (Amplified bible)

How far is this submission supposed to go? What if your pastor told you this??? 

"In a job, nobody even questions doing what the boss says to do, even if they don't like it.  But, in a church, everyone seems to think they can ignore what the pastor says.  Anyone having a position in the church, however, has to look at me as 'Boss'."

History: The pastor’s wife (A pastor also) complains about me to her husband and he listens to her. My husband and I both have been called liars. She constantly judges me wrongly, and says I have said things I have never said. He is now to

eam44@ameritech.net · Accepted Answer

Hebrew 13.17? -- before we read the bible, we must first ask God to help us interpret the writings the way He meant us to. In my opinion (in this case) I believe it means to submit to his teachings of the word of God.

I believe the pastor is wrong. I would certainly question it if my boss asked me to do some thin morally wrong. The pastor is just a human instrument of the Lord and if you feel that he is not doing his work according the Gods teachings than we have every right to question him. 

That he believed his wife's complaint about you and called you a liar proves that he is just a man and it is human nature to believe what someone you love tells you.

Dondi · Answer

You have 1 choice, leave that church and find one where the pastor is a man called by God instead of a man with a God complex.  You are being used as a scapegoat for his failures to hold his church together, and it is not a good situation, and I've seen it several times before.  Find a new church, where there is love in the doorways, not malice.  Also, if you will, pass this message along.  He is not BOSS, he is SHEPHERD.  He is not to drive and dominate his flock, but to lead them and protect them.  Get out before they ruin your life.

Anonymous · Answer

We submit as "unto the Lord". If the one we are submitting to is not being a good witness, leave that body and go where they are a witness. Then submission will be a joy and not one of compulsion.

I will do any work or deed for my pastor because he just loves God and loves the body of Christ. He serves and takes joy in what he does. When he asks me for a favor, I consider it my honor, rather than my duty.

That is also how my wife feels with me. We serve one another with joy and eagerness because of love.

My church is a non-denom Calvary Chapel
http://calvarychapel.com/?show=Churches

magicalpossibilities · Answer

They sound like a bunch of control freaks.
This is called "spiritual abuse".  
Why do you and your husband feel you need to put up with this?
Do yourself a favor and find a new church.

Anonymous · Answer

This might be a good time to turn your back on that church. 

Just a friendly suggestion.

Trending News

Submission, what is it exactly?

5 Answers