This post is Day 11 in a series of studies about “Work/Works”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Work/Works – Day 11

This is a word to church members today, but it could apply to any situation. How many of us sit in a church service, chat over coffee afterwards then go home without ever thinking that our presence there, or our assistance in something, can help the leaders enjoy their work?

Hebrews 13:17

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their 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.

The Thought

What attracts me in this verse is the concept of doing something, so that somebody else’s work will be a joy! This is a word to church members today, but it could apply to any work situation. It could be applied also to situations outside work.

How many of us sit in a church service, chat over coffee afterwards then go home without ever thinking that our presence there, or our assistance in something, can help the leaders enjoy their work?

Of course this verse is easier to understand in the context of a small church or house group where there is much more relationship between leaders and members. But it can be more difficult to submit to their authority in those contexts!

This verse also supposes that the leaders we serve are put there by God. Many people across the world are serving evil leaders, whether politicians or employers, and sadly even in the church we find those who are not teaching Biblical principles, but have their own agenda!

Action

Think about your participation in a meeting, whether a church meeting, a family reunion, or a celebration in the office. Is there any way you could help others enjoy the responsibilities they have?

What if each of us went through our day today determined to make other people enjoy their work more? What if we said “thank you” to the person who does the smallest thing for us?

Pray today for the leaders you “work” for, whether in church, for your employment, or as a volunteer.

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