Giving Due

DEVOTION
1 THESSALONIANS
GIVING DUE
1 Thess 5:12-14
12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
NIV
What is the task of those who work hard among us? What is the task of those who are over me in the Lord? It appears here it is to admonish me, that is to instruct me as to the proper frame of mind, to gently exhort me to live a life worthy of my calling. This is no doubt the duties of the local shepherd, those who are pastors. I wonder if because I have the duty of preaching I also fall into that category. But nevertheless I must give respect to my pastor and that I certainly have no problem with. I do not hold him high and lifted up on some pedestal, but I respect his calling from God and know that it is God who has placed given him this position and therefore respect is fully due. Although as not on a pedestal, as one who is perfect, I do have a high regard for the difficult task of shepherding the people. Those who do such a task, have to be totally dependent on God. I cannot imagine ever being in that position without the power of the Holy Spirit firmly resting upon me. This task is far more than simply preaching the Word. It requires complete dedication to the people God has placed under the spiritual care of the shepherd. This people must lead the flock to green pastures, which is the word of God. I find myself in the middle so to speak. I know God has called me to sort of that task. I am not exactly sure how I fit in. I know God wants me to encourage and enlighten others to the truths of God, but I am not called to shepherd. I do think there are others who work hard among the body and are over the body in spiritual matters who are not pastors. Maybe that is the place I am in. I feel that responsibility. I am wandering back and forth here, but I am both under and over, under the spiritual leadership of one called by God and also called by God to be over others in spiritual leadership. I am called to give honor and respect to those over me, no matter what my calling. I am also called to live in peace with all by brothers and sisters who are in the Lord. Not to be argumentative, not to give reason to cause division, or dissent, but to give reason to unite and provoke, encourage each to love, and living a life pleasing to God. I know this is a good thing, but I also know I fail at times to be who God desires me to be. I must learn to yield more.