Our scripture this morning is 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.
Having been an appointed church pastor, I can tell you that I would not have made it through without the love and prayerful support of my congregations. I am so grateful and blessed to have lived and worked with all of you. I have known pastors whose experience was not as pleasing as mine.
The church is a collection of people who have chosen to live together as the family of God because of their faith in Him. God has gifted and called each of us for a purpose. Paul gives us some insight to this in 1 Corinthians 12:7, telling us “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” We are all expected to contribute to the work of His kingdom.
This means in any given situation we are all leaders in the Lord’s work. Whether it’s the childcare program, a food pantry or outreach to shut-ins, each area of ministry has a leader and they all need our support through prayer, our tithes and offerings that support the programs and our presence as the body of Christ. May we lead when we are called to do so and follow faithfully always.
Loving Lord, thank You for sending leaders in Your church. Help us to give them the support they need and be ready to fill the roles You have planned for each of us. Amen.
