"Elders"

  Elders in the Lord's church carry a massive responsibility. They must handle situations that the majority in the church will never hear or face. My own dad served many years as an elder and I can remember a time when I was so ungodly, so out of control, I'll never forget hearing my dad tell my mom that he was going to resign his service to the Lord because of what I was doing. The silent heartache he had to go through just because of me.

  Elders deal with delicate situations, things that must be kept silent in order to help the soul of the one struggling. Elders must deal with criticism from those who claim they know things but know nothing about what they shallowly speak. Elders must deal with attacks like no one else in the church. They take harsh words without blinking an eye because they understand the one on the attack is in spiritual danger.

  Elders are men! They were at one time part of the lost souls of this universe. They were converted to Jesus, live their lives for Jesus and were raised up to serve the Great Shepherd Jesus. But they are men with flaws. Some in the church never realize this!

  Elders shed tears. The congregation may not see it but they shed tears. The secret pain they carry over the flock at times as well as open criticism. You can see in them the reflection of the One they serve, Jesus.

  Elders do not fight or struggle with power. It's not there! They simply focus on what the Lord wants for the flock they shepherd and know it is the Lord Jesus interests they serve. In light of this, the elders have different personalities which is what makes them work so well together. Some are strong, some are meek. The members see the strong and think the strong rules but that's not the real case. The elders as a whole decides. 

  Elders hear complaints and they direct the one in conflict to do as Jesus asks...go to the one that the member is complaining about. Resolve it with them first and then if there is no spiritual movement, the elders will help. 

  Some try to bully the elders but the elders will stand up against that and not allow it to happen. They must protect the flock from bullies, from gossips, from those who want to splinter and divide. They stand without fear knowing what is at stake. 

  These are my elders! These are the men I have come to love and respect. What I have learned over the many years is that the closer the elders hold to the cross, the more they will be accused of wrong-doing. Didn't we see that with Jesus? Yet there are those in the church who think it is their personal responsibility to oversee the overseers and that is completely off the chart as far as Jesus is concerned. That's called rebellion!

  There is the Great Shepherd that will hold these men accountable. These men know they will stand before this Great Shepherd and they love Him dearly. These men need our encouragement. Pray for them. Let them know and be thankful for their quiet way in which they protect and lead you. I love my elders.