"And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor 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. And be at peace among yourselves."
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
As Paul closes his first letter to the church in Thessalonica, he tells them three things they needed to do regarding their leaders. Here’s what they needed to do to be a help to their leaders, and what we can do to help our pastor(s).
First, “know them.” Acknowledge them as your leaders, respect them, have regard for the pastor(s). The word “know” is translated from the word that means to know them, understand, and pay attention to them. We respect them because of their position.
Second, “esteem them.” They are to be held in high esteem. We are to love them “for their work’s sake.” Because of the nature of the ministry, their handling of the Word of God, the spreading of the Gospel, the care for God’s flock, we love them. Ministry is a joy and delight, but at times it is demanding and challenging work. The pastors I know love the work that God has given to them, and they love the people they minister to. We who receive the benefit of their ministry, need to love our pastor(s) because of his/their work.
Third, “be at peace among yourselves.” Our pastor(s) should see us at peace with each other. Not only should there be peace between the pastor and the people, but the people should be at peace with each other. How much time in the work of God is wasted because of a small difference between sheep, let alone the black eye it gives to the church, and the loss of testimony in the community? God’s plan is for His people to be at peace with their brothers and sisters in the church.
Want to be a help and a blessing to your pastor(s)? Try these three things.
Believer, before you start that little spat with sister so and so, stop and think, is it worth it to upset the peace for you to prove your trivial point? God’s command is clear, “be at peace among yourselves.”