Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17
Andrew was a good supervisor, and he did whatever he could do to help those of us in his group to excel at our work. He offered us incentives and guidance, and supported us whenever we had a problem with a client or with management. We knew we could always go to him when we needed help or an opinion. At the end of the year, he called each of us, one by one, into his office, to go over his assessment of our work for that year. He pointed out our weaknesses and strengths, offered us suggestions for improvement, and then informed us what level of pay increase we had earned. Finally, he informed us that his report on us was to be submitted to the general manager, who would grade Andrew based on how well his group had performed. Like an Assembly elder, he was accountable for those under his rule.
Have you ever imagined standing at the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive your final reviewing and reward? It will be much more thorough and fair than any year-end assessment here on earth! Every one of us must give an account and receive our Lord’s assessment for what we have done, and what we have not done. But Assembly elders who stand before that Bema have an additional review. Beyond accounting for their own behaviour and service, they must give an account of you. The Chief Shepherd will receive their report. How will those shepherds report on those who the Chief Shepherd has placed in their charge? It is to your benefit that they give a good report.
Our text says a sorrowful report from the overseer will be unprofitable for you; conversely a joyful report will be profitable for you. It seems that the report from your Assembly’s elders will be in your Lord’s hands as He brings you up for your personal review. Did you ever realize the significance of their report? Did you ever consider how important their review is going to be when you make your appearance at the Bema? Yes, the elders must account for how well they performed their role as overseers. But you will have to give an account for how your elders assessed you during their review.
Elders have a great responsibility for those in the Assembly. They all want to be able to give joyful reports. Will we give them the opportunity to do so? -Jim MacIntosh