Respect

Respect
 
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
 
IN this and the remainder of 1 Thessalonians 5 Paul teaches 11 “action commands” to help the church become effective disciples of Jesus Christ. We’ll begin to learn these with Paul’s command to respect those who work hard against you.  
   Respect is a key component for a functioning, loving relationship. For example, Paul teaches love and respect is a vital part of marriage: Ephesians 5:33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. In this is the inherent understanding that love and respect must be mutual. Likewise, respect is vital in the church and a community to live in peace with one another. It seems, then, that Paul was writing a two-fold lesson: Leaders, respect the congregation. Congregation, respect your leaders.    
   Church leaders, how do  you respect or honor the church you help oversee? First, you consider that you have a special calling. Know God has placed you in leadership for his good and glory. Humbly understand your rule is not on your merit but on God’s choosing. In response, each thing you do must be in consideration of God’s Word and will.
   That means church leaders must have good knowledge of the Bible. Leaders study the Scripture on their own and learn with others. It has often be said that leaders are readers and learners. Their lifestyle and speech must demonstrate wisdom and knowledge.
   Church leaders must use that knowledge to spiritually care for the church. A church’s strength is affected by its leaders use of their spiritual gifts to nurture the church, so it will grow into a close, vibrant relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit. A united relationship with the Holy Trinity will spiritually move the church into a more united relationship with each other.
   At times a leader must even admonish one or several in the church who are disrespectful to God’s law or the church in general. When leaders see a sin, they must address it. How will it look to others in the church if the sin is left alone? There can be no respect for those who ignore God’s rule. Yes, we know that to admonish or reprimand one is difficult. But if done under the Bible’s instructions (See Matthew 18:15-17.), admonishment becomes a life-giving action. Proper rebuke preserves the fellowship of the church with God and with each other. Even more, this is our Lord’s command in Luke 17:3 “So watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.”
   That’s why a congregation must respect those who admonish you. It is obeying God’s command. To respect leaders is to honor their position as God’s representatives in his church. You are willing to listen to them and obey their guidance because this is the way of an effective church.
   Be a leader and allow others to lead you.