  ANY OF THE basis tenants of the Bible are based upon authority, order and respect. Absent these the very framework of the world, our people, our beliefs and our faith are reduced to ashes. Order is established in the first three words of the Bible as it is logically starts with "In the Beginning." Order is what our families are based upon (Ephesians 5), what our government relies as its very basics and framework justice and righteousness (Isaiah 9:7), which also requires an established and prudent order. In fact, Jesus Christ himself, though we was God incarnate (in the flesh), laid down his life and was submissive though suffering a horrible death on a cross. It is by His submissive example we are to lead our lives. If you seek your own way at the church where you worship, whether you are on the staff or one of the many hundreds or thousands of its congregational members, all of these precepts apply to all equally. Regardless of who we think we are, or what rules we want to believe do not apply to us, God's word is clear.
"So the last will be first, and the first will be last." Matthew 20:16
If you identify with any of the below issues as an ongoing measure of how you see the world, you might have submission problems and are not a Joy to your Pastor. Review these against how you interact with all church members and see if you find yourself among them.
- Follow the Leader. In Hebrews 13:17 we are encouraged to obey our leaders so that we will be "a joy, not a burden" to them. Furthermore this verse acknowledges that if you do not, that it "would be of no advantage to you." So it appears from this verse that at the very best you might break even from being negative rather than an encourager and most likely that you will be worse off, as your strew discord and discontent to those around you, infecting them with your pride and malice.
- Policy of Good Reports. One of the best churches I have ever been to has a Policy of Good Reports. In essence, one of their basic tenants of business and church management is that all of its employees and members are to restrain from gossip of any type, even and especially when it's true. Imagine a world, where Believers focused on the good of God's word and love Psalm 119:48 rather than the wiles of the world. Proverbs 8:13 teaches us that we are to avoid "perverse speech." A Policy of Good Reports guides us to reflect only on what is good and righteous. If you have an issue with anyone that needs to be resolved, then follow the Biblical standards for doing as described in Matthew 18:15-20. In this way you might be a Joy to others.
- Do People Need to Hear from You. If you most always feel that people need to hear from you, that they would benefit from your opinion, knowledge and expertise, you are most likely have an issue with pride, arrogance or both. In Job 33:17 we are in fact told that to stop a man from wrongdoing we need to keep our lives free from pride. I have learned in my life, that most often, others do not need my opinion, and that only if God prompts them to ask, only then will I provide it.
- Do You Draw Attention to Yourself. If you constantly strive to be the center of attention, then you are apt to be suffering from "statusitis." I will be the first to admit, especially in my youth, I wanted to be the center of attention no matter where I went. However with God's grace, the Holy Spirit's prompting and fervent resolve to seek change, I began to see that I did not need to be the center of the universe that, in essence, I learned the wisdom of being "over myself" and to focus more on the needs of others. There are constantly times in my church, home and work life that this issue and my true heart condition is revealed. And it is often in my times of silence that God is free to run with world, without me being a nuisance.
If you have any doubts at all, I suggest you meet with your pastor at their convenience and ask two questions "what might I do for you to better serve you and your efforts as my minister" and "what can I do for you that will lighten your load as the leader of our church." Your pastor will be thrilled by your questions and your desire to help carry the message of love to the church as you Take Christianity Into the World.
"Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other." 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
John Dillard is an author and Certified Public Accountant (All Rights Reserved). To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/(a Christian CPA firm) and for his latest book Overcoming Life's 9/11's: Job's Journey visit www.John-Dillard.com "Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!"More columns by John Dillard
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