In fact, many believers assume that they can lead their Christian walk as they wish, as long as they have accepted Christ. If that was the case, then Jesus would not have shown Himself to be the Shepherd and called His followers His sheep. My brother, my sister, there is so much confusion in our understanding of the Word sometimes that it has to be said: a pastor is meant appointed by the Lord to share the principles of God’s Word, to serve God and to feed the flock with the spiritual food that will result in their experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10). Unfortunately, today many churches are filled with people who would ‘blow off’ the Word of God, not only to their own hurt but also to the hurt of those who are around them. Young people especially have this tendency to ignore the counsel of those older than them, thus making the mistake of trusting their own wisdom as well as their own heart. Yes, many people misunderstand the fact that accessing the knowledge of the Word of God does not remove that authority God has placed over their head. How many Christians out-root themselves from the church the Lord has planted them in, because they believe to have found the truth in the Word of God? All in all, when looking deeply it will always turn out to be that they were rejecting the authority of their leader(s). My friend, learn to make the difference between the ‘false shepherds’ who do not have the welfare of the flock at heart but are more interested in maintaining control, exercising lordship over others, or who fail to study the Word of God and end up teaching men’s commands instead of God’s and the godly shepherds who are entirely devoted to the Word and to prayer (Acts 6:4) so that they can lead the sheep in God’s power and wisdom and impart to the flock spiritual food to make them healthy and vibrant Christians (1 Timothy 5:17), not followers of men. My friend, no man on earth is perfect, but know that the Lord expects us to submit to those who rule over us… in humility of heart and obedience, for, in the end, they must one day give an account of their ministries before the Lord. Therefore, as today’s Scripture reads: ” Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit”. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name. [facebook] [retweet]