Hebrews 13:17
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
How to be a grief to leaders:
Be rebellious and resistant.
Be indifferent and passive.
Take concerns around leaders in grumbling but never directly to leaders in teachable inquiry.
Refuse to be at peace with one another.
Resist repentance, hate humility, and defend sin.
Prayer: That church members would repent of these things in the present and resist them in the future. That members would encourage, admonish and correct one another when they see any of these negative tendencies.
How to bring joy to leaders:
Believe in Christ.
Rejoice in the gospel personally. Nothing is sweeter for a leader than knowing his people love Christ. Who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For you are our glory and joy (1 Thess. 2:19-20).
Walk in obedience to Christ. I was very glad when brethren came and bore witness to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth (3 John 3-4). Page 63
Cultivate and preserve unity in the body.
Receive their teaching eagerly. Be doers of the word.
Receive personal reproof with gratefulness.
Give and sacrifice for the good of the whole without complaint or expectation of immediate recognition.
Work beside them in ministry.
Prayer: That church members would pursue these things individually. That they would help one another to excel more and more. That our leaders would serve with joy in such a way that God’s people profit much by their service.