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The early churches who received the letter to the Hebrews were just as concerned, if not more concerned, about their next chapter than you or I might be. Persecution had come to the church from Rome. Additionally, there were “strange teachings” that were being circulated among the saints that brought fear and concern to the leadership of the church.

In my recent post, I suggested that chapter 13 of Hebrews gave clear and practical actions that believers should follow in their next chapter of life. Whether good times or difficult times, these same activities can be followed. Following these practical steps will ensure that there will bring both a clear conscience and honor God.

In 13:7-19 we find these instructions:

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.”

This instruction directs us to remember those who have taught us about God from scripture and who have demonstrated with their example what it means to live as a follower of Christ. There is both guidance and caution in what Hebrews tell us. We are to remember who and what our spiritual advisors, pastors, and teachers have taught us, but equally important is that we evaluate their teaching by their actions.

One method of evaluation would be to see if the life of our leaders reflects the character of Jesus. Do they show compassion for all people? Are they merciful and loving? Are they humble or arrogant? Do they demand their way or submit to authority?

Paul’s teaching about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 might also be applied. When evaluating the faith of those we are to remember, we should see if the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are evident and visible in their lives. And if we see these things are absent, then we must not imitate their faith. Hebrews makes it clear that since “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,” the life of a follower of Jesus must be the same in this generation just as it was in the first-century believer. We are all called to imitate Jesus. We cannot do that unless we abide in Christ and live by the power of the Holy Spirit and not by the flesh.

“Don’t be led away by diverse and strange teachings.”

In every generation there will be “diverse and strange teachings” that usually come to us by teachers who fail to do the hard work of good exegesis of scripture. We must study God’s word and interpret it properly and not allow our preferences to guide our thinking. Spiritual leaders can have the same temptation as we do to make scripture say what we would prefer it to say rather than what it says. And good interpretation sometimes means admitting that we do not fully understand instead of choosing a position and forcing it as the proper interpretation.

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

This is consistent with imitating the faith of our spiritual leaders. A faithful spiritual leader will always demonstrate generosity of resources, including time, talent, and money.

Finally, the author of Hebrews asks that followers of Christ remember to pray for each other. Prayer is a conversation that connects us intimately with our Father in heaven who has all the knowledge and power and is always present to help us in every situation every time we come to him.

So what about the next chapter? I don’t yet know the details of what I might do from a career perspective, and you may not have the details of your life all figured out either. But we can be assured that in the next chapter of our lives, we are to stay deeply connected to Jesus, digest his word regularly, and live a life filled with love and compassion for everyone while staying faithful to his church.

Father, our desire is to live for Jesus and to imitate his life in all we do. We confess that sometimes we are not sure what you call us to do in our careers and in our service to others, but we know that we are to be imitators of Christ every day, no matter where you call us. We trust you with the next steps and ask that others see Jesus in us today and tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, amen.