Day 19 – Honouring Your Leaders

(1 Timothy 5:17-20)

Respect and honour

One of the features of our post-modern age is the dearth of a culture of respect and honour. In our society today, celebrities are celebrated and even worshipped at times. But respect and honour are not accorded to elders.

One may attribute the lack of respect for elders to the abuse of respect in the past by some elders in society.

The church is not different when it comes to the issue of respect for elders. Probably with the move towards informality in church and a poor understanding of the priesthood of all believers. The lines of respect and honour for elders in the church are obliterated.

However, that is contrary to the teachings of the Scriptures as seen in today’s bible reading.

Leaders in the church

The phrase “let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour” (v17), recognises the place and role of elders (pastors and leaders) in the church. It suggests that pastors in the church are to be respected in recognition of their roles in the church.

The abuse of congregations by leaders which may have been seen in some churches, which is in violation of the Scriptures, should not make us set aside the clear biblical instructions in this regard.

Leaders in the church are to be respected in recognition of the important role they play in the church.

Honour is proof of respect. To respect someone is to find them honourable. Honour is an appreciation of worth or value. It includes having regard for someone’s position. When we understand that leaders are called by God for the work they do in the church, we will regard them on account of God.

What you value, you will celebrate

The biblical instructions here on honouring church pastors/leaders go beyond financial remunerations. A culture of honour involves a true appreciation for the work they do. A kind word of thanks or appreciation shows honour and respect.

It also involves celebrating the pastors /leaders God has put in your life. What you value, you will celebrate.

Honouring your leaders

The point is that it is a biblical instruction for us to honour our leaders who are genuinely serving in the church.

We must not also forget that for every biblical instruction we obey. We receive a harvest of blessings from God in return.

“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit“

Philippians 4:17