Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

Hebrews 13:7

Remember playing “Follow the Leader” as a kid? The childhood game mirrors our lives today as the writer of Hebrews tells us to “remember your leaders.”

Many people may lay claim to the title of leader, but what defines a leader?

Hebrews tells us that a leader is one who “spoke to you the word of God.” A leader in the church is obligated to speak the word of God – not just claim to speak with a word from God – but to be faithful to the Scripture.

Next, we see that faithfulness to Scripture is seen as we “consider the outcome of their way of life”. Do leaders always lead and live perfectly?

In just the last couple of weeks, two very prominent pastors were exposed for not living up to the standards of their office as pastors and leaders.

Fortunately, we do have many local examples of pastors who live a faithful life growing in their relationship with God.

Notice that we are encouraged to “imitate their faith”. Where is our faith to be placed then? At the beginning and the end of the day, our faith is to not be in our leaders. As we’ve seen recently, human leaders will eventually disappoint, but when we keep our focus on Christ we will find that He is holy and just and loving and forgiving. Perfectly. All the time.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

If this is true (and it is) what difference does it make in your life?