Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Hebrews 13:17
Our culture seems to take great pleasure in mocking and disrespecting the boss, even if its only when they're not around. Many television programs, movies, comic strips and books are almost entirely devoted to making fun of those who are in authority. Just think about how your boss is normally treated and talked about. Is it respectful or harsh? Is it kind or negative? We don't even just do this with those in immediate authority over us. Politicians, business leaders and teachers also get the same treatment. In 21st Century Australia anyone who excels or has any kind of authority is a prime target for ridicule and disrespect.
There are many cases where this type of attitude also seeps into the church. Those in authority and leadership in various ministries are sometimes used, shown little grace, and judged harshly. Just imagine how many men and women are there in the world who have stepped away from ministry after being treated poorly by other believers?
How do you treat those in authority in the church? Do you gossip about them behind their back? Do you spread dissent and complain about their decisions behind their back? Do you talk to other people about issues that you have with them while never going and talking to them directly? Do you roll your eyes when a church leader says something in the church service? Do you expect to be loved and served by them without loving and serving them yourself?
Paul has another way for the Christian community to treat its leaders. Rather than treating them with disrespect and mocking we are to treat our leaders with respect and with love. Rather than judge them harshly we are to show the grace and kindness. Rather than use them we are to help them and hold them in high regard. As we do so we will be salt and light in a culture with no respect, kindness and love for those in authority. Imagine how the witness of the Christian church would be different if we treated those in authority according to the standard of God's word rather than the standard of the world.
Perhaps the most striking application of this teaching is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:12. The word admonish in this passage also means discipline, correction or teaching. Even when we are disciplined or corrected by those in authority we should respond with love and respect towards them because of their work for the kingdom.
This teaching does not mean that those in authority are totally above reproach. In fact the writer of Hebrews reminds us that those who minister to God's people will one day have to give an account to God himself. James warns that those who teach will be judged more strictly. We are certainly to be wise towards our leaders and be discerning regarding true and false teaching but let us consider how we can do so with love, grace and respect.
Consider who fits this description in your church. This could include elders, pastors, small group leaders and ministry leaders of various types. How can you show respect and love to them today?
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray for all those who are in positions of leadership and authority in your church especially the elders. Pray that God would give them wisdom as they seek to minister to His people. Pray that they would teach His word faithfully and boldly. Pray that God would encourage them and strengthen them in their work.
¥ Pray for all the small groups that are gathering throughout this week. Pray that that God would change lives through His word and that His people would challenge and encourage each other to live out their faith.
Discussion Questions For Families and Groups
1. Who in your church should you respect and love based on Paul's teaching in this passage?
2. What are some appropriate ways people tend to deal with issues they have with someone in authority?
3. What is an appropriate way to deal with an issue with someone in authority in the church?
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