Respect and Christian Leadership
Read the Text: 1 Thessalonians 5
Memorize the Text:
But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God has closed you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in truth.
(2 Thessalonians 2:13, CSB)
Consider the Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 25
Several people have noted a growing disrespect for pastors and other spiritual leaders. People have grown suspicious of Christian leaders as more stories surface of abuse in various forms. The culture no longer automatically respects the position of a pastor like previous generations and often has a negative view of them. This cultural shift, combined with tension from the recent pandemic and political issues, has formed a time of great struggle for those in the ministry as they navigate leading under the guidance of the Lord. The apostle Paul declared the need to extend respect to those in Christian leadership in 1 Thessalonians.
Paul challenged the believers in 1 Thessalonians 5 to recognize that the Lord provided the church with leadership. As a result, the apostle charged the church to see their leaders as anointed and appointed by the Lord and respond to them in proper respect. When one responds in proper biblical respect, then they set a course to grow in Christ as they follow the expectation and command of the Lord. Paul noted five expectations in the responses of believers toward their leaders.
First, the apostle called the Christians to respect those who LABOR AMONG YOU. The leaders in the church did not lead from ivory towers but from among and as a part of the local body. They sacrificed and poured their life out to advance the Kingdom of God. As a result, the apostle charged the church to respect them because of their willful labor. Paul does not expect the believers and the leadership always to agree, but the apostle expected a sense of respect in both times of agreement and disagreement. Today we need to assess our faithfulness in respecting those who labor among us in the Lord. This evaluation includes the assessment of moments when we agree and disagree.
Second, the apostle Paul called believers to give respect to those WHO ARE OVER YOU IN THE LORD. The Lord places people in leadership positions for the development and growth of the Kingdom of God. These individuals receive the calling from the Lord to equip the body for service (Ephesians 2:12) and to guide the body toward growth and unity (Ephesians 2:13). The leader's role of providing guidance comes from the authority of the Lord. Thus, leaders must remain faithful to the Word of God and the Lord’s absolute truth. These two items serve as the basis of the leadership to guide Christians. How do you respond when a Christian leader challenges you and provides guidance? Do you show respect or question their motives or integrity?
Third, the apostle challenged Christians to respect those who ADMONISH THEM. The leader expects to not only provide guidance but to admonish. When the believer admonishes, they provide instruction to the body that promotes spiritual development. The instruction includes the provision of encouragement to the body of Christ. The encouragement comes as the leaders identify sin and point individuals to see the truth and to place the truth of the Word to work in life. Take a moment to consider when a leader has challenged you by admonishing you with the truth of God’s Word. Did this moment of admonishment lead you to greater respect, or did you attempt to respond negatively to the declaration?
Fourth, Paul charged the church to respect the leaders IN LOVE. The apostle knew that God called all believers to love the Lord with all their heart, mind, and soul and to love their neighbor as the self. As a result, Christians must love their spiritual leader that the Lord places in their midst. The apostle means the church needs to respect and honor those who serve. Paul’s motivation is that the church never fully understands all the leader does to prepare the body of Christ for the battle ahead and the service they are called to. Do you judge your Christian leaders on what you perceive or see? Do you respect them for how they are content with the faith, even in the unseen?
Fifth, the apostle Paul commanded the Christians to PRAY FOR THEIR LEADERS. Paul knew that the leaders faced the same fleshly temptations, limitations, and struggles as other believers. One major act of respecting your spiritual leaders occurs when you seek the Lord on their behalf in prayer. Christians should pray for the victory of the temptations against their leaders. They should seek the Lord to provide the leaders with a clear vision. They should seek the Lord to allow the leader to continue to grow personally so that the leader may encourage spiritual growth in the body. When was the last time you prayed for your spiritual leadership? Take a moment today and consider praying for your pastor, ministers, Sunday School teacher, or anyone serving in leadership in the local body.
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
