Hebrews13:17 (KJV) - 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.

When taking directions from your leaders, it is important not to allow your personal opinions to detour their directions. There are times when our leaders give us specific guidance and/or direction and we may not agree with them. Whether it is for personal or professional reasons, we must follow through on their 'orders' - unless it leads to criminal, unethical, or immoral actions.

If there are times you don't agree with your leaders, you may have an opportunity to address your concerns (i.e. if you have an easier method to complete a task). When addressing your concerns, you must know the character of your leader. Some leaders will not listen to anything you have to say, whether it improves a process or not - it's their way or the 'highway.' With these leaders, you may not want to address anything - just be obedient, patient, and prayerful...

We obey our leaders because we first serve God:

Ephesians 6:5-8 (KJV) - Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Additionally, we obey leaders so that their jobs may be easier and they will not have to worry about our performance and our ability to complete verbal or written tasks. We want to work in such a way that we will make the Gospel attractive and bring praise to God:

Titus 2:9-10 (KJV) - Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV) - Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heave.

When we do not obey our leaders, it makes their job more difficult because they lose confidence in our abilities to complete their instructions and we become 'one more thing' they have to worry about. It becomes 'unprofitable' for us because they will discipline us for our behavior of disobedience.