Duty toward Those that Have the Rule.
By John Nevins Andrews
THE Scriptures clearly define our duty toward those that have been intrusted with authority in the work of God. It is no light burden that is laid upon such persons, and no light account which they must render to God. But inasmuch as no cause can prosper in which there is no order and rule, and where all is anarchy and insubordination, God has in all ages called men to fill important places in his work, and that they may accomplish the task assigned them, he has conferred on them a measure of authority adequate to that task. Such has been the case with all the eminent servants of God in Bible times, and since those times, it has been the same. God has placed in the church such gifts and officers as it has pleased him. The prosperity of the cause of God demands that each of these should be properly regarded by the people of God. If this be not so, then evil will certainly result in every case. The apostle Paul has given this precept: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you.” Heb. 13:17. No doubt these words cover all the different degrees of authority which God has ordained in the church. They certainly show how God would have his people treat those that are intrusted with a part in his work, and they are a standing rebuke to those rebellious spirits who refuse all subordination, and say, “Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?” But the most important bearing of this text is upon the case of those who are called to bear the chief responsibility in the work of God. The burden upon these servants of God is very great. Their labors are excessive. The Spirit of God having selected these as the most suitable persons to employ in the work of leading out in the cause, it is in the highest degree reasonable to believe that those thus chosen should have clearer and juster ideas by far of the steps that should be taken than those can have who are not thus called of God. They occupy a position from which they can survey the entire field, and they have the special instruction of the Spirit of God to enlighten their minds. Now, it is plain that instead of distrust and murmuring on the part of the church toward such persons, there should be a disposition to sustain them in their work, and to hold up their hands which are ready to fall from weariness. It is an honor to be the helpers of such, and no disgrace to stand in a position where we are more ready to receive counsel than to give it ourselves, or to find fault with that which is given. But it may be asked, “Is there no danger that we may be deceived?” We do not ask any one to act rashly or blindly. But whenever God is specially at work, there will be men to lead and to bear responsibility in counseling and directing. The first thing, therefore, is to satisfy ourselves where God is at work at the present time. Then we may without difficulty ascertain who are those upon whom God has laid the special burden of the work. These are the ones who are entitled to our support and obedience. Shall we never learn to be helpers of such? Shall we always be fault-finders and murmurers, and think our dignity sacrificed by our acknowledging others to have clearer views of God’s work than we ourselves possess? God forbid. Let us be content with the position God has given us, and let us be the true helpers of those whose burdens are heavier, and whose responsibilities are greater than ours. Is it not plain that we must take this course if we would not displease God? And is it not reasonable and just that we should do it? So it seems to me. J. N. A.