“Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.” – 1 Timothy 5:17 NKJV
In many work environments, organogram charts show hierarchy and structures across departments. Of all the many uses, this chart clearly defines the management team set over the organisation. In the same light, the church also has a similar structure. God ordained pastors and placed them over the church to equip His people to build the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT).
Because God believes in order and not confusion, He ordains the pastors as shepherds and stewards to care for His flock, the church (1 Corinthians 14: 33). However, as sheep, we have a responsibility to our spiritual leaders. God expects us to submit to, honour and respect them (Hebrews 13: 17).
The first step to honouring the shepherds God has set over us is to recognise that they are God-given gifts (Ephesians 4:11). When we do this, we create an environment that guards against disrespecting them.
Furthermore, how we honour the pastor over us determines how much we can receive from them. In Mark 6, Scripture describes two scenarios that revolve around honour. Jesus went to preach in His hometown in Nazareth, and they dishonoured Him (Mark 6:4 NLT). As a result, only a few could receive from Him. In contrast, when He went to Gennesarat, the people there recognised and honoured Him, and He did many miracles in that city (Mark 6:53-56 NLT).
Dear believer, dishonour is dangerous! It is one of the devil’s devices, so we must continually guard our hearts against it. A sign of honour is refusing to speak down on pastors, whether yours or other pastors in the Body of Christ. Another is paying rapt attention during ministration and shutting out all distractions. It shows the preparation of the heart and readiness to listen.
“If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honourable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 2:21 NLT
Ultimately, being honourable is not a talent or gift. As believers, we must intentionally honour our pastors and teachers as it speaks to our love walk.
Say this: I will honour my pastors and teachers. I will not be a vessel of dishonour.
Bible Reading Plan: Luke 11: 1-28