Power of Gratitude 7 Day Challenge ||Thankful for Spiritual Leaders

Often times when we speak of leaders or leadership, the tendency is to look at leaders who are in the secular world. We are grateful to those men and women who brave the front line and are able to execute their duties and their responsibilities sometimes under the most extreme pressure.

Today however, for the Power of Gratitude 7 Day Challenge, this being day 3, we are thankful for all our spiritual leaders. They are not in office by their own choosing. These are men and women of the faith chosen by God.

They are the Pastors, Bishops, Apostles, Evangelists, Prophets, Teachers, Deacons, Elders and all other ministry leaders in the body of Christ [church]

J. Oswald Sanders was not mistaken when he said, “Spiritual leaders are not elected, appointed, or created by synods or churchly assemblies. God alone makes them.”

The Bible says we are not to worship them as though they are God but we must submit ourselves under their leadership, to obey them because they watch over our souls each day and must also give an account to God for us.

Here is what Hebrews 13:17 NIV [New International Version] says, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to the authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” ~ Hebrews 13:17 NIV

The job of spiritual leaders are never easy and they are constantly under pressure and under the microscope as their lives must be lived as a true reflection of God.

People sometimes forget that they too are human and they are capable of making mistakes and are in need of God’s mercy and grace just like all of us.

So let us show our appreciation to all our spiritual leaders as the ones who help us to grow spiritually. Let us be thankful to God for them. They are His servants, as well as servant leaders to the people they lead. Encourage them in the faith and likewise, let us pray for them as they continue to do the work of the Lord.

“Leaders are like Eagles they don’t fly with the flock; they explore new heights and challenge themselves and others to soar beyond the norm. Yet an Eagle is never too large or consumed with itself to assist another Eagle in distress…and that’s what makes an Eagle a true leader.” ~ Author Unknown

Activity:

Remember to pray daily for all our spiritual leaders. Identify one spiritual leader [could be your Pastor] who is most influential in your life and send a thank you note to that person.

Scripture to meditate on:

Hebrews 13:17 [see above] and 1 Peter 5:5 “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility.”

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