Good Shepherds and Good Sheep!
An old adage says, "There are two sides to every story." King Solomon seemed to suggest this idea 3,000 years ago in Proverbs 18:17 – "The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him." There can be, and often is, more than one side to the story. Let’s think about elders in the church form two different angles. My observation after nearly fifty years in the church is that these men, overwhelmingly, are sincere and godly men. But it is important to understand none of them is ever perfect or flawless or infallible (romans 3:23). They carry an awesome weight of responsibility on their shoulders. These men are referred to variously in the New Testament as "the elders of the church" (Acts 20:17) and as "overseers" who are charged to "shepherd the church of God" (Acts 20:28a). And while some even inside the church rate or rank neither the church nor the role of elders very highly these days, elders are called to guard and guide and take care of the church – a high and holy calling since she is "the church of God which He purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28b). How could we ever dare underestimate or devalue and show disdain for the church when it cost Jesus the hell-like agony we see at the cross to purchase and provide for her salvation? God forbid. The Holy Spirit of God indeed sets the bar high for those who would serve the church as elders. The apostle Paul lists qualifications for elders at 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and also Titus 1:9. The requirements make for challenging reading. God expects elders to be not just good men but men who are examples for the rest of the church. The apostle Peter says exactly that in 1 Peter 5:3 where he reminds elders to shepherd the church eagerly, not "as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." Men serving as elders must set an example other Christians can follow in both their moral behavior and devotion to the Lord and His work. A man who cannot or will not stand the heat that comes with these awesome responsibilities ought not to be in the kitchen!
Let consider the "other side of the story" as regards the elders of the church. It’s not just elders on whom God lays some heavy demands! Church members have serious responsibilities toward the elders of the church. Are you willing to hear them? "Remember those who rule over you (your leaders [ESV], who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct ... Obey those who have the rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:7, 17). Shepherds will give account for God’s sheep. But sheep will give account if they turn out to be a billy goat! A good church must have good elders to be all God wants it to be. The other side of the story is that it is equally vital and necessary that a good church have good members who choose to respect the role and work of the elders and relate to them in ways that are healthy for the entire congregation. God bless His shepherds and His sheep.
– Dan Gulley, Smithville, TN
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