DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS
Hebrews 13:17-21
(01/17 or 01/30)
The Venerable Anthony the Great
Problem Leaders: Hebrews 13:17-21, especially vs. 17: “Obey those who 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.” Ungodly
leaders are a thorn to the faithful: how can we serve an imperfect superior as
befits Christ and Apostolic counsel?
Any disclaimer applies only when a leader commands something contrary to
the Law of God. This is true at the
workplace, in the government, and within the Church.
If we Christians receive an order clearly opposed to
God’s will, then we must not obey.
The consequences of such disobedience may be difficult or painful. Typically, situations of this sort feel
complicated, but most difficulties of this sort relate to consequences rather
than to a choice that the Lord requires.
Often, there are avenues of appeal or means for avoiding an order that
forces us to choose between what a superior demands and what the Lord Himself
commands. Certainly all godly
avenues for avoiding moral dilemmas should be pursued. Of course, the struggle of faith in the
face of certain consequences is eased when we recall the Lord’s
admonition to expect suffering (Mk. 8:34-38). Remember, the Lord Jesus promised
blessings to those who will follow Him faithfully at whatever cost (Mt. 5:11,12).
Still, there are circumstances in which a leader is simply
wrong, perhaps morally, or because he is inept, or because he himself is
convinced of an ill-advised policy.
Saint John Chrysostom asks, “When he is wicked should we
obey? Wicked? In what sense? If indeed in regard to faith, flee and
avoid him, not only if he is a man, but even if he is an angel come down from
heaven.” Note Saint
John’s disclaimer: if following a leader will corrupt or distort
one’s faith, ‘flee and avoid him,’ as possible. Then the great Saint cautions:
“...but if in regard to life, do not be overly curious....For hear Christ
saying, ‘...The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat’
(Mt. 23:2,3).
The Lord means that they have the dignity of the office, but are unclean
in life. Attend, however, not to
their life, but to their words.”
Christians ought to refuse, retreat, or resist ‘only’ when
we are being drawn into wickedness.
Never should one contribute to evil in the world by obeying and
performing a wicked deed. Let the
example of the martyrs inspire us never to compromise with evil nor to acquiesce in a corrupt enterprise.
On the other hand, Christians are to continue under a
‘bad’ leader so long as the essential bond between themselves and
the Lord is not threatened with breach or compromise. Embarrassment, loss of money, wasted
time, or poor results are no basis for fleeing and avoiding. There may be personal suffering, but the
Lord will bless the steadfast who obey and serve Him
even if doing so is unpleasant or unfruitful. The key is that evil must not result by
our obeying.
Saint John Chrysostom says: “For as regards their
character, no one would be harmed from this. How so? Because their characters are manifest to
all, and because, even if he were ten thousand times as wicked, he would never
teach what is wicked.” So one should obey a leader who speaks of ideals, right goals, and
good practices, even if he does not live by them. For example God the Holy Spirit moves in
the Holy Mysteries even if a Priest is unworthy of them.
Here the Apostle is writing about leaders in the
Church. Hence, if you find yourself
under an unworthy pastor, heed the right teaching even if the leader only gives
truth ‘lip service.’
The Prophet Samuel said, “Hearing is better than a good sacrifice,
and obedience than the fat of rams” (1 Kg. 15:22). Rest assured: a morally corrupt Church
leader will give an account for his ministry. God is not mocked. Through all, Beloved, let us pray for
those who are over us.
O God, give the grace of the Holy Spirit to all leaders in
the exercise of ministry.
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