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ESTEEM YOUR LEADERS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15
1 Thessalonians 5:13

1 Timothy 5:17-20

 

“…esteem them very highly

in love…”

 

ESTEEM YOUR LEADERS
 
In any healthy church, there needs be a group of responsible and diligent leaders who serve well. However, their labour is not always appreciated. Sadly, they are sometimes even despised and maligned because of their faithful service to the Lord. People do not like it when they are admonished or disciplined and have their sins pointed out. Sometimes, the biblical, godly decision may be an unpopular one and people get offended. In theory, everyone would want a hardworking and faithful pastor, but are we really prepared for the biblical exhortations and decisions that come from such a pastor? Paul’s exhortation to the brethren is that they must know and esteem such godly leaders.
 
To know involves knowledge in the intellectual sense, i.e. to know who they are and the nature of their ministry. This is basic human courtesy and respect. However, knowing someone goes further than that. It should be on a more personal and intimate level where there is an established relationship. Church members are to see their pastors as people they can trust and confide in, and have a healthy respect for. After all, pastors are also human, and they need friends and encouragement as well. They care deeply about your soul; do you care for them as well?
 
Then, we are to “esteem them very highly in love”. The leaders are to be respected for their work’s sake. We ought to love our pastors and honour them for their labour in the Lord. We must remember that they are doing the Lord’s work, called to serve Him in a full-time capacity. It is often a thankless task and sometimes looked down upon. This should not be the case! We should respect these faithful servants of the Lord. Yet this esteem must be a genuine one, borne out of love and not just a façade we put up. It should come naturally as a result of knowing them, for if we truly understand their heart for the Lord and the congregation that has been placed in their care, then we would be sincerely thankful for what they have been called to do and respect them for it.
 
THOUGHT: When was the last time I showed appreciation to my pastor and church leaders?
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee for the leaders that Thou hast called into Thy service. Help me to esteem them highly in love.

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