Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you [recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all]–your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you. And hold them in very high and most affectionate esteem in [intelligent and sympathetic] appreciation of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 AMP
I just got home from nearly three weeks traveling in Upstate New York. My primary occupation was visiting with pastors. I did some preaching and a Saturday seminar on leadership, but getting to rub shoulders with the shepherds who care for the flock of God was the real intent behind the journey.
As it happens, this is Pastor Appreciation Month. I’m sure some of you have participated in doing thoughtful things to express your heart toward your shepherds. I know they are grateful. I also know they would trade all the cards and cakes in October for a few simple things the rest of the year. I’ve always appreciated the 3-step outline that Paul gave to the Thessalonians. If you want to fully enjoy the gift of God in your pastor, try these three things:
- Know: Acknowledge, become familiar with, and recognize the gift in them and the sacrifice they have made to use it on your behalf. This requires being physically present and expecting God to minister to you through the gift He has given.
- Esteem: Count them as being worth much, and treat them as valuable. Learn to value your pastor because of the God-given work that he is involved in. Do it with your mouth, your service, and your finances. Galatians 6:6-10
- Be at peace: The best gift you can give your pastor is to love one another. He is supposed to be seeking God and warding off wolves, not breaking up sheep fights and tending to injuries inflicted by friends. Love and esteem your fellow sheep.
It’s a great day to go to the sheepfold and allow your local shepherd to exercise his gift for your admonition.
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