How responsible do you feel for your ability to obey God’s commands? Do you feel it is all on you or does some of it rest on someone else? Is there a leader you look to for guidance? Are you willing to follow a leader who has your best interest at heart?
Even though there are some who want to blame everyone else for their shortcomings, most of us want to do better. We place a lot of responsibility on our own shoulders. We seek to learn. We strive to achieve goals. We may look to leaders for assistance but don’t put our success in their hands.
The key to ensuring we are doing the right things and following God’s commands as he wants us to, is to find a balance. We must take some responsibility on our own. Such as, reading God’s Word, attending worship services, participating in Bible studies, and seeking God’s guidance through prayer. We must have the desire to do the right thing.
Yet, there is some responsibility that lies with the leaders. The pastor or preacher or priest must properly interpret and preach a message that guides along the path God desires for us. The teacher who leads the Bible study must prepare properly to educate the students. All the while, each individual must come with a desire to learn.
God puts responsibility on the leaders or shepherds of a church to guide the members. That responsibility includes teaching, advising, and guiding them in the path God wants them to follow. However, the individual member must desire to follow the guidance of the leader. Therefore, it takes both the shepherd and the individual to make things work as God designed them.
I pray we all desire to learn God’s Word. I pray we seek to follow the path God has for us. I pray each leader will take their responsibility seriously and guide the members according to God’s plan. Learn God’s Word. Follow the path God has for you. Leaders, guide according to God’s plan.
Jeremiah 23:1 “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” says Yahweh.
Marty Pressey 