Honour Leaders. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.
Dear Family,
As he draws to a conclusion of his letter, Paul issues some practical instructions. First is to honour their leaders.
Respect (v. 12). The call to esteem the leaders comes with a brief summary of what the leaders do in the Christian community.
Serve. The word used is labour, which implies hard, dedicated work. Leaders are not there to be seen, heard, bowed to and spoilt with benefits but to serve. One should never spire to leadership because of the benefits that may accrue. The desire to serve should drive the desire to lead.
Supervise. The phrase used is those who “are over you.” No community can accomplish much without leadership that makes decisions, issues instructions, and assigns tasks. The alternative to oversight is chaos.
Support. The word admonish used here has both a sense of guidance and one of warning. Left to their own devices, most Christians will make choices that are not good for them. That is why the scriptures are taught and believers instructed how to live.
Reason (v. 13). There are two reasons given why leaders should be respected. The first is their Labour. For some people, leadership is a thankless task. A committed Christian leader gains nothing tangible. But there should be gain in “good standing” (1 Timothy 3:13) at the very least, hence the call to respect leaders.
Livelihood. Peace with one another is key to coexistence. Leaders foster peace through the resolution of disputes and ensuring that justice and fairness prevail. While leaders are not perfect – none is, respect for their office is respect also for our Lord Jesus, who has placed them in the position of responsibility in leadership.
We are to honor leaders, not because we like them or agree with everything they do but because they have responsibility for our lives.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.