What practical steps help us submit to "elders" in our church community? Grounding Our Attitude in 1 Peter 5:5 “ …submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ ” Why Humility Comes First • Humility is the “clothing” that makes submission possible. • James 4:6 echoes the same warning-promise: God resists pride, but pours grace on the humble. • When we remember God actively backs humble hearts, yielding to elders becomes a grace-saturated privilege, not a grudging duty. Practical Steps for Submitting to Elders 1. Cultivate a Teachable Spirit • Approach sermons and counsel expecting God to speak (Acts 20:28). • Keep a notebook or app open, jot key points, and revisit them prayerfully. 2. Pray Regularly for Your Elders • Lift their families, wisdom, and protection (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). • Ask God to grant them joy in shepherding—Heb 13:17 ties our obedience to their joy. 3. Listen Before Offering Opinions • Slow to speak, quick to hear (James 1:19). • If concerns arise, schedule a respectful, private conversation rather than airing them publicly (Matthew 18:15 principle). 4. Act Quickly on Biblical Counsel • When an elder gives Scripture-rooted guidance, put it into practice promptly (James 1:22). • Report back on progress; this builds trust and accountability. 5. Support Them with Your Gifts • Volunteer where they ask, freeing them to focus on prayer and the Word (Acts 6:3-4 pattern). • Financially honor faithful leaders—1 Ti 5:17 calls such “double honor.” 6. Guard Your Heart—and Their Reputation • Refuse gossip or criticism dressed as “concern” (Ephesians 4:29). • If you hear slander, stop it and redirect to constructive dialogue. 7. Encourage Consistently • Send notes, texts, or a quick “Thank you for today’s message; God used it.” • Encourage during visible successes and unseen labors alike (Proverbs 25:11). 8. Live Peaceably with the Flock • 1 Thessalonians 5:13 links esteeming leaders with living in peace; conflict drains elders’ energy. • Settle disputes quickly and model reconciliation. 9. Hold Them Accountable in Love • Submission isn’t blind: if sin surfaces, follow 1 Timothy 5:19-20 safeguards. • Approach with humility, seeking restoration, not humiliation. 10. Keep Christ Central • Submission to elders is ultimately submission to Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). • Regularly remember the cross, where He submitted fully for our salvation; this fuels joyful obedience. The Blessing Attached Hebrews 13:17 assures that when leaders can shepherd “with joy and not with grief,” the whole church benefits—“for that would be of no advantage to you.” Submission, shaped by humility, releases grace to leaders and congregation alike, showcasing the beauty of Christ’s body working as He designed. |
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