Day 36: ALWAYS Give Thanks!
12Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. 13Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a
In our day, it isn’t always easy to read the Apostle Paul’s directives concerning church leaders, and to obey them. Many church leaders across America have shown themselves unworthy of honor. Some don’t work hard among the people and warn them against wrong. Even so, many ARE living out their calling as pastors, missionaries and other leadership positions in the church faithfully. Paul’s words assume that church leaders will be living lives that deserve to be imitated. Paul made it clear that every human is fallible when he wrote “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) In other words—imitate church leaders AS they imitate Jesus. We can’t pick and choose when to obey the commands of Scripture, and Paul wouldn’t have us do that. What the two Scriptures tell us is that church leaders who are following Jesus deserve to be honored and followed. They also deserve to be loved. As we build up to Paul’s command for us to always give thanks, One of the best ways for a church member or participant to produce gratitude in a church leader is to show that leader honor, respect and love for the diligent work offered in Jesus’ name. As one who has served in full-time church leadership for more than twenty-three years, I know how much it means to receive a word of affirmation or encouragement. I also appreciate words of constructive criticism from those who genuinely love me in Jesus’ name. Through affirmation, encouragement, and constructive criticism leaders become more and more effective, and a positive “spiral” takes place: the leader becomes more effective, helping the follower of Jesus to become more effective, which leads to more affirmation, encouragement and constructive criticism, which leads to more effective leadership! Why not be part of that spiral today!
Questions and Comments for Reflection and Action:
How do you show honor and love to church leaders in your sphere of influence?
When was the last time you demonstrated gratitude to God, by thanking a church leader for his or her faithfulness?
Take some time right now to thank God for providing leaders who work hard and warn you against all that is wrong.