15 March - Recognise Spiritual Leaders
“And we urge you, brethren, to recognise those who labour among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.”
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
These verses command us as Christians to Recognise Leadership. We are told to recognise those who are our church leaders, to esteem them very highly in love, and to be at peace with them. As a motivation to do so, we are called to consider the work they do among us.
Recognising Our Spiritual Leaders. The word translated “recognise” or in the KJV “know” literally means "to see, to know, to understand, to gaze or stare". The gazing is with purpose; to understand, to know. How much do we pray for them?
Esteeming Our Spiritual Leaders. The word to esteem means “to think, to account, to judge, to govern”. It is an exhortation to be discerning and think rightly about them. Paul also gives us the manner in which we are to think about them: “very highly”.
The Command to be At Peace. At the end of verse 13 we are commanded: "Be at peace among yourselves." This can be translated "cultivate peace with them"; meaning our pastors/elders. If we regard them “very highly in love”, we will endeavour to be at peace with them. But how can we do this? Paul also gives us the right motivation and points to the work they do.
The Motivation for Obedience. Paul says it is “for their work’s sake”. Their work is described in terms of three things:
a) Their Labour. Paul speaks of their “labour among you” – this “labour” is hard work to the point of fatigue. Being a pastor is no 9 to 5 job! It is more like 24 by 7!
b) Their Leadership. Paul says they are “over you in the Lord” – literally to “stand before, to preside, to maintain, be over, to rule.” Leadership is a place of example. We watch our leaders more than we know. It is in serving others well that we recognise a true spiritual leader. Many (leaders) look at “pomp and circumstance” and that does not generate recognition of true spiritual leadership.
c) Their Teaching. Paul says they “admonish you”. This means; “put in mind, to caution or reprove gently, to warn”. We often think negatively about admonition, but it is part of teaching.
The work of pastors or elders is spiritual work; it is work for eternity. This does not mean that every spiritual leader is always right in everything. Abraham, Moses, David and Peter made mistakes in their words and deeds. A wise pastor knows he is made of clay and will admit when he is wrong or when he needs expert counsel. If they humbly submit to God’s will, profound blessings accompany them.
PONDER
In our society do we give the highest regard to those with the most important work? How highly do we regard the work of the ministry? Why does the Lord consider this so important?
PROMISE
“...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).
PRAYER
Lord, may our spiritual leaders serve in love and be ever ready to forgive. And may each one of us recognise our spiritual leaders, appreciate them, and love them, as you love the church for which you gave your Life on the Cross. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Article by Mr Jaccob Thomas, a member of Peace Community Church, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur and a Board member of St. Paul’s Theological College Malaysia.