HONOR YOUR PASTOR
BY DIANA URBAN
October is pastor appreciation month. Setting aside one month to honor those who serge us shows how valuable these shepherds of our souls are. We can often let days and months slip by without taking time to recognize our pastors. Here are a few reasons and ways to honor vow pastor.
Hold your pastor in esteem. When you talk about him to others, say complimentary things. “Let the elders that rule well he counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (I Timothy 5:17).Remember God has given your pastor his position, so by honoring him, you esteem God. Pastors spend a great deal of time prayerfully studying and considering what they will preach and teach. Pay attention while lie is speaking and apply his words to your life. Think of his sermons as God’s word for you, and thank your pastor for his messages.
Offer to help your pastor. Find out if lie needs someone to cut his grass. Volunteer to care for his children so he and his wife can have a night out. Pray for him and his family. Attend church regularly, and call when you can’t make it. Your pastor is concerned for your soul, so present him from worrying needlessly. “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you: and to esteem then very high- in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among your-selves” (I Thessalonians 5:12-13.) Strive not to place extra burdens on him by faithlessness, gossip, lack of attendance, or dissension. If you have a question or concern, speak directly to your pastor. He will appreciate your honesty.
Nurture a love for others. Think of yourself as representing your church and pastor, and treat people as he would. “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you” (I Thessalonians 3:12.) Include new members in your circle of friends and squelch gossip. Your attitude toward the church and other members will either build the church up or tear it down. Put aside petty grievances and try to get along with everyone. In the community, conduct yourself in such a way that you would not be embarrassed to hand out a church card, whether you’re talking to the gas station attendant, the librarian or your child’s teacher.
Offense should die a quick death. Don’t take offense if your pastor misses shaking your hand or walks by you absent-mindedly without saying ‘hello.” You don’t know what counseling burdens or personal troubles he carries. Yes, even pastors have personal and family concerns. Sometimes pastors children receive “F’s” on their report cards. “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all
gladness: and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me” (Philippians 2:19-3O,) Encourage your pastor with a note of appreciation or a quick hello. Remind him you are praying for him. He Works hard for you and the church, and knowing you are praying for him will uplift him.
Recognize your pastor as Gods authority in your life. Allow him to extend the umbrella of his authority over you. Remember then which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow” (Hebrews 13:7.) God intends for children to obey their parents, wives to submit to their husbands, and husbands to love their wives and submit to Christ. He also wants each of us to submit ourselves to our pastor’s protection. Because your pastor is responsible for your soul, his prayers cover you and protect you from spiritual drenchings in the same way an umbrella keeps you from real-life deluges.
As we enter this month of awareness and appreciation of those who serve the Lord by serving us, let’s make sure our pastors know how much we honor them.
THE ABOVE MATERIAL WAS PUBLISHED BY THE APOSTOLIC SENTINEL, OCTOBER 2002, BAGE 9.
THIS MATERIAL IS COPYRIGHED AND MAY BE USED FOR STUDY AND RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY.
