I have read that when snipers are in training for warfare they are instructed to be discriminant about who they shoot. They are trained to discern who the leader is of the enemy group that they have in their sights. If they shoot the leader, the rest of the troop will be thrown into confusion and can more easily be defeated.

It seems that Satan has a similar strategy in his attempts to defeat the church. Satan will target a pastor, or an elder or a deacon. He will try to bring that leader down in some fashion or another. When a shepherd falls, the flock tends to be confused, and can more easily be scattered.

Keeping that in mind, we should be careful not to do Satan’s work for him! It is so easy to complain about the leaders of your church, but they don’t need to be “shot at”!

The Bible says we must respect our leaders and submit to their authority. We ought to do whatever we can to encourage our church leaders.

“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”–Hebrews 13:17.

What can you do to ease the burden of one of your church leaders?