HONOR THE LEADERS

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

What do you expect from your pastor or the leaders of your church? Would you like to see a little more of
dynamism, modernity, joviality? People tuned in to new times, well-informed and
presence that marks? It would certainly be a fair desire, but it is good to remember that it also
waits something from us, in relation to these leaders called by God. In the present study,
We wish to make a brief reflection on our attitude when dealing with spiritual leadership.
about the healthy perspective found in the Scriptures.

Whom should we honor

In the early years of Christianity, the churches were shepherded by a team and not just by
a single leader. Among the Jewish Christians, these leaders were called elders; not only because of
not by their age, but by the spiritual authority they possessed. In churches of Greek culture, such leaders
they were called presbyters, exercising pastoral authority over local communities (1
Timothy 3:4-5), defending sound doctrine (Titus 1:9), taking care of the flock (Acts 20:17,28),
teaching and preaching (1 Timothy 5:17). For each region, there was a leader (bishop) who coordinated
these presbyters. Titus, for example, was a bishop (Titus 1:5; Acts 20:28) and, as such, should
identify and consecrate the leadership that would shepherd each of the churches under their supervision.
Therefore, originally, the function of the presbyters was to shepherd the flock of God.

Over the years, it became normal for one of these priests to end up receiving
may stand out in relation to the others on his team, due to his ministerial skills.
In this way, the church began to assimilate the idea of being shepherded by a more prominent leader.
assisted by many priests. But this did not eliminate from them the relevance of their
ministry and the honor that is due to them.

Even today, the qualifications and attributions expected of those who are to ...
to care for the spiritual well-being of the church, in the condition of presbyter or whatever it may be
nomenclature is fundamentally biblical and extremely necessary for success
this ministry.
1. To have spiritual maturity, devotional life, and a good testimony, inside and outside the church
2. To be able to proclaim the gospel, both publicly and individually.
3. Show oneself as an example to the flock, in language, in purity, and in humility.
Visit the sick, strengthen the weak, and stimulate communion.
5. Encourage with gentleness and love those who waver in faith.
6. Assist the pastor in his priestly duties, teaching, exhorting, administering the dinner and the
bautsmo.

We must treat men with this profile with the utmost consideration; whether he is the pastor or
a presbyter, or someone in any other role that contributes to the pastoral care of the flock
God.

Why should we honor?

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who
they work in preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17)

Honor is the fruit of recognition

When we have the privilege of growing in the Christian life under the care of men
dedicated, worthy of trust and respect, qualified to teach, both for the ease of their
words, like for their good example of life. what position should we take? Is it not that of
to fight for their honor and dignity? And even if they do not have all the attributes that we would like to see,
We must equally honor them, because this is the will of God.

Meanwhile, some brothers and churches have failed in the way they treat these leaders.
depriving them of the respect they deserve and the sustenance they deserve to have. In addition to offering
little, they still criticize their pastors when they can't balance on the "tightrope" of
household budget. And when, by the grace and mercy of God, they come to acquire some asset
of consumption, they are accused of ostentation.

When you recognize the benefits that Christian leadership has achieved for your life, it
The minimum that is expected is to see him treating such people with the due consideration and respect.
May gratitude, recognition, and respect become the natural fruit of your Christian life.

Honor is the fruit of duty fulfilled

Leaders desire and deserve to reap our respect; first because God wants it, but
also for everything he has done in our favor. It is good to remember that he will only reap
the result of those who have sown and taken care of God's field (1 Corinthians 3:9). Thus, it is the duty of everyone
pastor who is supported by the church to dedicate himself entirely to care, teaching, and
management of his sheep, being worthy of blessings that are offered to him. From the same
It is the duty of every presbyter to care for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the
members of the church, flock of God, serving as an example to the flock (1 Peter 5:3).

How should we honor?

Do not admit an accusation against an older man except on the basis of two or three witnesses.

Both the pastor and the elder are appointed by God as a reference for the church, being
that requires a whole life, spiritual maturity, healthy marriage,
balanced temperament, aptitude for teaching, abstinence from alcohol, liberality
financial, etc. (1 Timothy 3:2-7). For this reason, such individuals should always have
our vote of confidence, even when it tells us what we would not like to hear, or when
they show us paths we would not like to follow. We must obey their words, being sure
that they always seek the best for the family of God.

We honor when we trust

Listening to their advice and following their leadership is a good way to act, but it also
we honor when we trust them, even in the face of an accusation or rumor that surrounds their
name. Its credibility must remain intact until proven otherwise. The apostle
Pablo said: 'Do not admit an accusation against an elder except with two or three witnesses.'

Why did Pablo say this?

a. Because the leader is Satan's preferred target... because he has been cast out.
accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night.
(Revelation 12:10). Beware of rumors! Satan uses this weapon to destroy the
the reputation of those whom we should honor with our trust.
Because the words of a liar are destructive weapons: hammer, knife, and arrow.
A man who speaks against his neighbor is like a false witness.
c. Because generally, those who make accusations do not have reliable character. "All of them
they are rebellious, stubborn, gossiping; they are bronze and iron; all of them are
"corruptors." (Jeremiah 6:28).
Because those who listen to gossip can become gossipers... Those who do not
slander with his tongue, neither does harm to his neighbor, nor does he accept any reproach against him
neighbor.
Because the severe divine judgment awaits those who lie. "The false testimony will not go unpunished."
castgo, And the one who speaks will not escape." (Proverbs 19:5)

The respect, obedience, maintenance, and protection of the honor of leaders are
determinations that constantly appear in the Scriptures (Deuteronomy 19:15). But,
Unfortunately, there are people who dishonor leadership with their unfounded distrust, giving
ears to any gossip that arises and, instead of defending him, they throw more wood on the fire. Others
they create ugly and destructive criticism of the ministry's reputation, going so far as to invent things that the
the pastor did not say. Meanwhile, 'the Lord knows how to deliver the godly from temptation, and to reserve the
unjust to be punished on the day of judgment; and mostly to those who, following the flesh,
they walk in lust and uncleanness, and despise authority.” (2 Peter 2:9-10)

Spiritual leadership is constantly at risk of becoming a victim of unfounded criticism.

that is why we should not accept unverified accusations against those who
shepherding our life.

2. We honor when we obey the Scriptures

God uses leadership to teach us, and the best way to honor him is by practicing it.
received teaching, even when it was uncomfortable, having to see public discipline be
applied to those we love and respect. The Bible says: 'To those who persist in sin,'
Reprimand them in front of everyone, so that the others may take warning.

a. We honor when we follow the pattern that Christ ordained. There can be no haste.
In this process, even having all the evidence in hand. There is a right way to
"Therefore, if your brother sins against you, go and reprimand him when you are alone with him."
If he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you.
two, so that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. If he does not hear them,
tell it to the church; and if he refuses to hear the church, let him be to you like a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17)
b. We honor by not turning a blind eye to the sins of a leader. Despite the love of God.
Through His servants of the past and present, He never ceased to confront sin in each
life. That is why, if it is necessary to discipline or reprimand any leader publicly, all the
The church must accept the process, with love and fear, because this is the will of God.
c. We honor by not prejudging people. (1 Timothy 5:21). God disciplines His children to whom
but whether they are leaders or not. The rule of Christian discipline is the same for everyone. "No
you shall not do injustice in judgment, nor favor the poor nor placate the mighty; with
you shall judge your neighbor with justice” (Leviticus 19:15).
We honor when we deal with love towards the reprimanded. The Apostle Paul felt the need to
to reprimand two leaders of the church in Philippi, Syntyche and Euodia, because of their divergences.
they were very evident: "I urge Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the
Lord.” (Philippians 4:2-3). Note that the apostle makes this exhortation publicly, in
a letter that was to be read in front of the whole church, but he did it with love

When should we honor?

Discipline, while being biblical and necessary, is never pleasant, but it can be minimized.
with caution when choosing spiritual leadership. For this reason, Paul brings
this advice to Timothy: 'Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor be a partaker in...
others' sins. Keep yourself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22). It's as if he said: “my son, if you want
to avoid constraints, seek to know the candidate well before committing them to the ministry.

Nothing justifies the rush to place someone in leadership, someone that no one else wants.
that a certain person constantly offers themselves. The fact is that our criterion of
evaluation is not reliable without concrete evidence of this vocation

We can fail by thinking we are not the right person.

Mainly when we do a preconceived analysis, "this does not have capacity. it is very
tmido, this is too much this and too much that,” but we forget that “rather, what’s foolish about the
God chose the world to shame the wise; and the weak of the world God chose,
"to shame the strong;" (1 Corinthians 1:27)

We can fail by judging ourselves to be the right person

Someone who seems to have so many attributes, so much poise, so many skills that, to
our eyes, would be the right person to lead a church, as a good example for the
brothers. Meanwhile, little by little it shows its claws, taking off the mask and revealing its
true face.
The prestige of leadership in the natural product of a recognized vocation. It is because of the
observation of behavior and the works it produces, which leads to consecration for the
ministry. For this reason, Paul recommended that Neophyte (new convert) should not be consecrated.
It is better to act with patience, for in time the true face will be revealed (1 Timothy
5:24-25.

Conclusion
Honoring the presbyters is treating leadership with the respect and dignity it deserves; it is
to offer them the resources and the necessary conditions for the performance of their ministry; it is
to consider, kindly, the advice they give us, even when it diverges from our
opinion; it is to trust in your integrity, even in times of accusation; and if necessary, it is
also to urge them with love to remain 'Always steadfast, immovable' in the
ways of the LORD.