Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #18

Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #18

October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you.

Remembering Your Pastor (Hebrews 13:7, 17)
Hebrews 13:7, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” Hebrews 13:17, “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.”

Comprehending His Love (Revelation 13:7a)
Revelation 13:7a, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God…”
Remember those who have the rule over us. The word "remember" means "to think of and feel for a person or thing; to keep in mind; to make mention of someone." We are to keep in mind and be concerned about those who rule, lead, or who have authority over us and speak to us the Word of God. Pray for your pastor. Pray for God's power on his life. Pray that hearts will be tender and open to God's Word. You will be amazed at what will happen in the church when the people love, encourage, and pray for the Pastor.

Consider His Life (Hebrews 13:7b)
Hebrews 13:7b, “…whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
We are to follow the faith of those who rule over us. The word "faith" is a reference to his Biblical beliefs and convictions about the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to copy or imitate those Scriptural beliefs in our own hearts. We are also to reflect upon the good that has come from the godly behavior, actions, and attitudes of our pastors. This is the meaning of the word "conversation" which means "manner of life." We are to consider how God has blessed and used him as he follows the Lord the best way that he can. Be patient with his faults because he is not perfect. Understand, he is patient with your faults, too. The pastor may not seem to be someone who is important in the lives of many Christians. This would be especially true if a Christian rarely attends church. Realize the pastor is on the front line of Satanic attacks. He is a prime target. Some men are overwhelmed, worn out, discouraged, defeated, and do give up. Though the pastor may be unappreciated or unimportant, God considers his labor extremely important and will reward him with a crown of glory one day. I Peter 5:1-4, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” If the Lord considers his work to be worthy of an unfading crown from Him, the congregation should consider him to be important, too.

Compliance to His Leadership (Hebrews 13:17)
Hebrews 13:17, “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.”
Your pastor is concerned as to what is going on in your life. He prays for you, and he will give an account for his ministry with you. This is why the wise pastor will preach the Word of God and do his best to share the truths of Scripture that will help you to be the best Christian you can be. He will caution, counsel, challenge, confront, and comfort you with the Scriptures. By obeying him and the truths of God's Word, his work and relationship with you will be a source of joy and blessing as you mature and grow in Christ. Paul spoke about the importance of having a good relationship with your pastor. I Thessalonians 5:12-13, “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” I Timothy 5:17, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”

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