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 (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
There’re truths in the Word of God for us to discover and apply in our personal lives; otherwise, you’ll never walk in the blessings they bring. One of them is honouring those whom God has set above you, and are responsible for your spiritual growth.
Some people, however, because they lack understanding of the scriptures, get offended when we do certain things in the wisdom of God, to honour God’s ministers. For example, when a man of God walks into a place and people stand in honour and reverence, some people blurt, "Why should they all stand up; is he Jesus?" No, He’s not Jesus, but he represents Him.
Understand that the respect accorded the minster of God is the reason his words, his message and the blessings that he gives, stay with you. No wonder Jesus said in Matthew 10:40-41, "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward." So, be smart to know that when you honour a man of God, you aren’t doing it for a man, but for the Lord.
If the people of the world would stand up in honour, when the president of their nation, whom they voted into office, walks in, why then should anyone complain when similar honour is done a man sent by God? That’s resenting the Lord unknowingly. The man of God, unlike the president of any nation, has been given the mandate to strengthen, inspire and edify God’s people in the Word and therefore, deserves greater honour. 1 Timothy 5:17 says, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."
1 John 5:1 says, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him." If you love Jesus, you’ll love those that He sends. Don’t join scoffers to malign or resent those that God has sent to bless and nurture you in the Word.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for showing me the essence of honouring those you’ve ordained to nurture me spiritually. I express my love and reverence for you as I honour and follow their divine counsels. Thus, your blessings rest upon me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Daily Scripture Reading
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: Acts 21:1-16 Job 25-28
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 8:11-18 Joshua 7
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