I look at people who write letters and thank-you notes and send birthday cards on time with envy, desiring to be a better friend and encourager. The apostle Paul was a great letter writer. Sure, much of our doctrine comes from his letters, but you can tell from them that Paul was pretty good at personal relationships. In 1 Corinthians 16:14-16 we can find personal encouragement alongside solid doctrine: “Do everything in love. You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it.”
Paul has written out quite a few rebukes, admonitions, commands, and other bits of teaching throughout this letter, but as he concludes, the letter becomes more personal. We can read Paul’s love for the church and for the family of Stephanas. He also encourages the church to submit to leaders such as these ones whom they know.
As we follow up the annual congregational meeting and start a new fiscal year, let’s focus on connecting together in submission to our leaders. For the church in Corinth, Paul indicates that everyone knows the household of Stephanas and of their service to the church family, and he holds them up as an example to the rest of the body. Paul’s direction to submit to leaders such as these isn’t a simple matter of hierarchy; it’s an opportunity to point out the example of a servant-leader and encouragement to follow that example.
Hebrews 13:17 says: “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” The writer points out that there’s a mutual benefit to submission. By submitting to our leaders we are joining together to do the work that we are all called to do, and in that submission, the work will become a joy for all.