Text- Jeremiah 3:15 – “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
Many times, we forget that our Pastor is actually one of us; just as human as we are! Because we see our Pastor maintain a radiant face at all times, we sometimes fail to realize that it is no easier for him to to be a loving, hopeful person than it is for us.
Beloved, your Pastor is one of us! His resources in the fight of faith are no greater than ours! As a man, he is at risk of temptations just as we are. His faith isn't automatic just because he is a pastor.
But then, while our Pastors still have to manage their own humanity, and grow in their personal walk with the Lord, they also have to bear our own burdens, help us in our own walk with God, and make a lot of sacrifices for us!
If they do all of these, do you not think that we should reciprocate? I have mentioned that there are at least 7 duties we owe our pastors; first is to obey them; the second is to serve them. Today we will consider the third:
3. Appreciation
One of the greatest things you can do for your Pastor is to regularly let him know how much you appreciate him. If your Pastor is doing a great job, and has been a great blessing to you, then let him know! Let your appreciation go beyond saying "Good sermon, pastor!" No, that’s not enough!
Let him know how you are learning to love Jesus more; how you are growing in your relationship with God; how your life has been changed; how family has become better; how you have been blessed etc.
Express your appreciation beyond platitudes at the door or in the hallway after service… Write him a note, send him a letter; send him a text; call him up on the phone; see him one on one… do something to let him know he is appreciated!
1st Thessalonians 5:12-13 (MSG) says, “And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!
Truth is genuine appreciation reminds Pastors that their labor and sacrifice is worth it, and that keeps them going. When you appreciate your Pastor regularly, he will be regularly refreshed, strengthened and above all, inspired to do more.
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you for the gift of my Pastor. Teach me to appreciate him as I should; so that I will, by my appreciation, refresh him, strengthen him, and inspire him to do more in Jesus Name.
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