It is easier to follow your leader if you have confidence in whom your leader is following.Dogs are taught to obey their masters. Children are supposed to obey their parents. But when it comes to adults, the principle of submission to authority seems to be replaced with the theory of “What’s in it for me?” Before we obey–or even follow–a leader, we want that leader to prove that we are going to get some personal benefit from it.

In God’s paradigm, we are supposed to willingly follow our leaders. This is particularly true in spiritual matters at your church. Your church leaders (whether you call them pastors, elders, board members, or priests) are accountable to God for your spiritual welfare. Help them do their job by following their leadership. When you obey them joyfully, you make their job easier and bring honor to God in the process.

Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not from sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.

Hebrews 13:17