Honoring our Leaders

I Thessalonians 5:12-13

“But it’s not fair to hold him to such a high standard.”

The lady who made the statement was talking about the fact that their church had fired their pastor, as a result of angry and abusive behavior. Apparently, she didn’t understand that God set a standard in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Anyone who is unable or unwilling to meet that standard is not qualified for the position. Doctors, lawyers, electricians, plumbers, locksmiths, accountants, and teachers are all expected to meet certain qualifications, including moral ones before they are permitted to engage in their business. These standards are set by government agencies having jurisdiction, rather than the customers. Their jobs involve temporary earthly situations with temporary results. Pastors and church leaders are involved with eternal consequences. Why shouldn’t they be held to stringent standards?

Because of the standards these trades require, their practitioners tend to command a high level of respect and in some cases are highly paid as a result. Those who fail to live up to the standards lose this respect, and are censored. or lose their right to practice their trade. Paul instructed Timothy about his responsibilities in I Timothy 4:12-16. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

Matthew 23:2-12 describes the Pharisees as hypocrites who push themselves forward to get respect and preferential treatment, using their titles and position for leverage. We are forbidden to do so. At the same time, Paul is very clear that those who do the job well deserve a high level of respect as their due for the job they are doing. “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1ti 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward,” (I Timothy 5:17-18).

Note that the respect is for how they are doing the job, rather than for their position. He stresses the same idea here in I Thessalonians, advising the people to become familiar with their leaders and what they are doing. Their efforts and encouragement will then be recognized as very valuable to their people.

“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 them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. “ (I Thessalonians 5:12-13)

As the people get to know their leaders, and observe their integrity and moral standards, they will understand that he is not setting standards and giving orders to demonstrate his authority, but because he has carefully studied what God has commanded, and is advising based on the results of his study. His suggestions can confidently be followed as being in accord with God’s instruction, rather than his own preferences or opinions.

Based on such confidence, Hebrews 13:17 instructs us, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” The pastor who is doing the job well is more concerned with the spiritual and physical state of his people than with his prestige and income.

The Corinthian church was instructed to receive Timothy, despite his young age, in a manner that would encourage him in his work. Divisions and conflict would hamper his doing the job effectively. He had proven himself in the work, and his age should not interfere.

“Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.” (I Corinthians 16:10-11)

A proper attitude toward the pastor, based on his work, will demand fulfilling God’s standards, but will not set other requirements. It recognizes God as the final authority, not us, the pastor, or some board.