Preachers and Teachers (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13a

Being a pastor is often a thankless job. Most men and women who have been called to teach or preach God’s word on a regular basis work very hard—harder than we who sit in pews each week know.

They study God’s word diligently. They research. They write sermons. They practice and practice in order to seamlessly share the words God has given them.

They visit the housebound or those in hospitals. They counsel. They attend committee meetings. They supervise staff.

Oh, and they usually strive to maintain strong marriages and to raise their children to know and follow God.

Yet how often do we who are the recipients of their dedicated work thank them? I know I usually just take the efforts of my pastor for granted. I do the same for the teaching leader of my women’s Bible study. I do pray for those in Christian leadership regularly. But a personal “thanks for what you do”?

Now I believe that neither of these people is looking for accolades—not at all. They’re doing what God has called them to do. But a “thank you” or “God spoke to me through you” goes a long way.

I think I’m going to send a message of encouragement to these servants of God. Why don’t you do the same for those who “labor among you” and “give you instruction”?

Leaders ... (Philippians 2:25-30)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 2:25-30

I’m taking a bit of license with today’s devotional, but I feel led to write …

God has called some men and women to be His spokespeople. People like Billy Graham or Beth Moore have been placed on platforms throughout the world to proclaim God’s truth. The pastors of our churches likewise have a great responsibility to spread the gospel.

Yet sometimes, rather than “holding them in esteem,” we criticize. We judge. We disparage. Or at the very least, we take them for granted. This isn’t to say we should look at them as if they were Christian “pop stars.” They’re being used of God as He sees fit, and our roles in the body of Christ are no less important.

However, I wonder sometimes if we “receive with all gladness” those who are God’s messengers. Do we offer words of encouragement to our pastors and church leaders? Do we thank our small group or Bible study leaders for the preparation they do for our studies? Do we show gratitude to our children’s Sunday School teachers?

While we’re all called to serve—and gifted to do so—some of our body are in positions of leadership or are more visible than others. Let’s esteem those brothers and sisters. Let’s encourage them. Let’s thank them for their service.

Godly Examples (Phil. 3:17-19)

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
(Philippians 3:17-19, NKJV)

Paul’s heart broke when he thought of the lost. He didn’t look down on them or take on a “holier than thou” attitude. He didn’t ridicule them. He didn’t ignore them.

He wept over them. He foresaw their destruction—eternal separation from God. And he desired that his spiritual children would not follow in their steps. Paul exhorted the Christians in Philippi to follow the example of godly men and women, to walk as they walked. I know he’d pray the same for us today.

Do you have an example of strong faith that you can emulate? Do you have a mentor who exemplifies a godly walk? Maybe it’s your parents. Or a church leader. Or someone whom you’ve never met, but who inspires you.

If you don’t, please find one. Read the works of C.H. Spurgeon or Oswald Chambers. Ask your Bible study teacher if she would recommend a mentor. Look around you. There’s someone who would be honored and privileged to walk with you on your path to stronger faith.

And if you’ve been walking with the Lord for a while now, be an example to those younger in their faith. Help them to avoid any pitfalls of following the world.

A Good Boss (Eph. 6:9)

And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. (Ephesians 6:9, NASB)

This verse should be written on a sticky note and placed on the desktops of everyone who manages others. Every one.

The verses before commanded those who work for others to work for the Lord, showing good will to others. Bosses should do the very same. They too are working for God, and they too have been placed exactly where they are.

Even more, bosses shouldn’t threaten their employees in any way. They should lead by example and treat their staff members with care and respect. They should show no partiality, but should treat each person equally.

God doesn’t see titles or organizational hierarchy. He doesn’t care if you’re a CEO or a file clerk. You could have a six-figure salary or earn minimum age. You’re all the same to Him.

And so if you’ve been given the privilege of managing others, don’t just manage. Lead. Influence your employees to be all they can be. So they too can serve God in their work.