- BibleViews2Use
- Posts
- The Reaction to This Word is Worrisome, Yet Understandable
The Reaction to This Word is Worrisome, Yet Understandable
One word conjures more hurts, horror stories, and hurdles. Do you know what it is?
Steven Pawley
July 24, 2025
When a parent or boss says, “I’ve told you twice!” we pay attention, at least most do. What about when God uses a phrase three times in one chapter, and it’s a phrase that causes strong reactions?
After decades in ministry, both as a follower and leader, I can attest to the very real challenges of relational health in the church. And there’s the word that brings such strong reactions – “church”.
Say the word and watch the response. For some, church is a wonderful experience, for others, it’s anything but. God knows this more than any of us, and yet the response by some is worrisome.
Church for many means hurt, horror stories, and hurdles to spiritual growth and relational health. Some can’t or won’t participate by choice, others by circumstances, and others have complaints.
Having been a pastor for years and now serving under one, pastoring and being pastored isn’t easy. That’s by God’s design! So, He compels us three times in one chapter to be in local community.
The call to compelling community is clear, the path to getting there, well, not so much. It’s difficult to dwell together in unity with people like “him”, “her”, can I say it, me – and you – and them!
Here’s what will help: godly leadership and godly followers. But we’re all a work in progress and the book of Hebrews, among many things, repeats a call to serve in challenging times – together.
Not two, but three times we’re told to obey those who “rule over” you (Heb. 13:7, 17, 24). The unavoidable assumption is that believers gather in godly submission under legitimate authority.
Who’s yours? Saying, Jesus is, is not being honest with Scripture. Maybe we’re not in community for legitimate reasons, but are we making the effort? Mutual submission leads to spiritual growth.
How you treat the relationships in your local church, especially regarding authority, is something you’ll have a talk with God about later. We could all benefit from taking that more seriously.
Read v. 13 again. Both pastor and those being pastored are warned. First the pastor: Think carefully about how many you can effectively (not efficiently) care for. You’ll give account for each one.
Then the rest of God’s people: Leading is not easy and you’re not as easy to lead as you think! Making it easier, even pleasurable to lead us is profitable. You have God’s word on it.
Submission doesn’t come easy in our culture, that’s why we need the church to help us. For those hurt, horrified, or finding hurdles, God knows, but also nudges. Community is not optional.
I encourage you to find the best imperfect church nearby and go make it a pleasure to have you part of it. It’s not me saying it, it’s your Lord commanding it – three times – with grace (v. 25)!
Don’t keep this newsletter a secret! Forward it to others or copy and paste this link to your friends and family: https://bibleviews2use.beehiiv.com/subscribe
What Others Have Been Saying
“In a conversation with my friend, I was able to pull up and share your bible view you shared the other day. It was a help to us both and good timing in some things we were discussing. Thank you for the timely encouragement.”
How did you like today's newsletter? |
Let’s Make This Better Together! I Answer Every Email.
Help me get the best content to your inbox by sharing how the post impacted you and how we can improve it. Reply now or reach out later at [email protected].