A Call to Discernment: Obedience to God, Not to Man
In our previous discussions, we looked at the biblical foundation for obedience to church leadership. It is a divine design for our spiritual protection and growth. Yet, as Christian, I must emphasize that this call to obedience is not a license for blind submission. The same Scriptures that urge us to obey also command us to be discerning, “testing the spirits” to ensure they are from God (1 John 4:1).
True Christian loyalty is never to a person or an institution, but to God and His unchanging Word. This post will briefly explore what it means to be watchful and wise in our submission. Our vigilance will empower us to evaluate teaching and leadership with spiritual clarity. We have to remind ourself that discernment is not an act of rebellion but a crucial aspect of spiritual maturity. It will help us keep our faith anchored in truth. Ensuring our devotion remains solely with Christ. Let’s dive into the details:
Obey the Role, Not the Individual:
Our obedience is not to a human being, but to the authority God has placed them in. We honor the office, not just the person. “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account” (Hebrews 13:17).
Discernment is Not Blind Submission:
While we are told to submit to our leaders, this doesn’t mean we should follow them without question. True Christian obedience is always rooted in a devotion to God’s Word.1 Thessalonians 5:21 teaches us “Test everything; hold fast what is good”.
Be a “Berean” Believer:
The Bible encourages us to be like the believers in Berea, who were praised for checking what even an apostle like Paul said against the scriptures. This is a model for all believers: listen and learn, but always verify with the Bible. “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all readiness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
Maturity Requires Vigilance:
1 John 4:11 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God”. Being watchful and discerning is not an act of rebellion; it’s a sign of a mature faith. It shows that your ultimate trust is in God and His unchanging Word, not in any person.
Measure Leaders by Scripture:
The final authority for all believers is always the Bible. We must evaluate a leader’s character and teaching based on the clear standards of God’s Word, ensuring our obedience is to God’s will and not to man-made rules.
Above are the few points to ponder upon in our walk with Christ and church. In a world full of conflicting messages, the ability to discern is a crucial part of our faith. This vigilance shows our spiritual maturity and protects us from being deceived. Just look at the Bereans, who were praised for “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). This active role in understanding God’s Word keeps our faith strong and our hearts focused on what is true. As we prepare to look at the specific qualifications for church leaders, it’s this discerning spirit that will guide us. Understanding what God requires of His leaders is the first step in making sure we can confidently follow those who truly walk with Him.
Thank you for joining us today and for your faithful support. We pray that the Word of God takes root in your heart and produces a great harvest of righteousness. We are excited about what is to come and hope you will continue to be with us. Visit us again soon for more encouragement and truth. Be Blessed.
