17. 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.

Those that "have the rule" over us are our spiritual leaders—those who guide us spiritually.  He says to obey and submit to them.  The reason we are to do that is because they watch for our souls.  They have been entrusted by God to be spiritual leaders and we should recognize that.

It will be easier on everyone if we recognize and submit to the authority of spiritual leaders because they will be able to do their part with joy rather than with grief.  It’s better for us if our leaders fulfill their call joyfully.  It’s more profitable for us if they are able to do it joyfully.

As we recognize their leadership position and allow them to fill their position as a leader joyfully, it will profit us spiritually.

Confession:

I will obey and submit to my spiritual leaders.  I recognize them as leaders God has placed in the church and I will submit to them knowing that they watch for my soul.  I will allow them to do their job joyfully.