1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
12 But we request of you, brethren, that you
appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in
the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in
love because of their work.
What does it mean to “appreciate” and “esteem”
those who have charge over us in the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)? A number of things, the very least of which
is the regular, punctual and serious attendance of the preaching ministry.
Regular. There are persons whose attendance at
services is as impossible to depend as upon the blowing of the wind. How
disheartening this is to both preacher and congregation!
Punctual. Late attendance is a great
annoyance to orderly worshippers, disrespectful to the minister, and an insult
to God.
Serious. Come from the closet to the
sanctuary. The fire of devotion should be kindled at home. Remember where you
are, whose Presence is with you, and what is your business in the house of God.
Will you prepare yourself to worship God and bring Him glory by appreciating and esteeming your spiritual leaders in this way?
- adapted from a
sermon by John Angel James (1785—1859)
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