“Respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and … esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” [1 Thessalonians 5:12–13]
HOW I THANK THE Lord for the many godly pastors and spiritual leaders He has placed in my life over the years. I think of Pastor Earl Connors, for example, who baptized me when I was five years old. He’s with the Lord now, but I still have fond memories of him.
His pastoral prayers from the pulpit each Sunday morning made a lasting impression on me. As a little girl, it sometimes seemed as if those prayers went on forever—especially on hot, muggy, summer Sundays in a building with no air-conditioning. But today I’m thankful for a childhood pastor who prayed faithfully for his people.
I recall, too, Communion services, and how he would distribute the elements to the deacons one by one, after they had served the congregation. As he worked his way across that front pew where the men were seated, he would quote memorized Scripture about the atoning death and sacrifice of Christ. Hearing him wash our congregation in the Word comforted and blessed me. It drew my heart to love the Lord Jesus.
I could name numerous other pastors and teachers who have made a significant investment in my life. You no doubt could name some as well. But do the spiritual leaders in your church and your life—those who serve you currently as well as those who’ve been part of your Christian heritage—do they know how much you appreciate and respect them? Have you taken the opportunity to tell them?
If not, make this a priority in the days ahead. Write a note. Send a card. Give them a call or tell them in person. You might even give them a check to take their mate out for dinner. Esteem them highly in love for their work’s sake. They need your encouragement more than you know. And you need to express your gratitude more than you know.
In addition to offering positive affirmation directly to your pastor and church leaders, pray for them often and look for opportunities to speak well of them to others. [The Quiet Place]
