EVERY MONTH SHOULD BE PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH
The apostle Paul instructed the Thessalonian believers to honor those who are leaders in the Lord’s work. The word “honor” means to show appropriate respect, recognizing their worth and giving them what they are worth. The word “honor” also implies financial support, as Paul instructed Timothy, “Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching” (1 Tim. 5:17). Or as the KJV renders it, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”
We bestow great honor on actors and athletes, but do we honor those who lead in the Lord’s work? Do we honor those who teach and preach the Word? How much is their spiritual guidance worth? Do you show them great respect and wholehearted love? Consider those who are your spiritual mentors, small group shepherds, Sunday school teachers, and pastors who preach the Word… Do you honor them as the Word of God says?
PRAYER: Dear Father, teach us to show honor to those who lead in Your work. Their work is most important and often least appreciated. Yet, we trust that You will reward them even when others don’t. Lord, help us, the members of Your flock, to honor the shepherds that serve under Your Son Jesus, who is the Great and Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. We give Him our highest expression of honor and praise. For it is in His name that we pray, amen.