1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 - Respecting leaders

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,
13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work.
NASU


Thoughts:

Although these are such simple concepts of appreciation and respect, they can be sadly absent in our churches.  If you visit a number of churches and talk to Christians at large, you are likely to find in some, two extremes in this regard:  disrespect of pastors and other spiritual leaders; and worship of them.

We are to highly esteem our leaders, to value and respect them.  Rampant criticism, gossip, jesting at their expense, and other forms of disrespect, clearly do not fit this definition. 

Conversely, we are also to appreciate, not idolize.  Only Christ is to be worshiped.  Only Christ is perfect.  Only His words are infallible. 

We are to respect our pastors and leaders, but still remember they are our brethren.  The Bible commends the ancient Berean believers for checking up on the apostle Paul's messages, and ensuring they were in line with the scriptures:

Acts 17:10-12
10 The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.
NASU

True men of God will expect nothing less from their fold today, as well.


Prayer:

Help me to give proper respect to my spiritual leaders, Lord.  I am thankful for the work they do on my behalf in the kingdom.  Bless them in that work, today.  May I be a blessing to them, as well.

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.