1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 KJV
[12] 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.
Paul, Silas and Timothy are recorded as the writers of this letter to the church in Thessalonica, and the letter covers a range of topics that remain relevant to this day. Of course, the Word of God is valid for all times, and will remain so until this version of earth and heaven will pass away, in line with the express directive of the Word of God. The verses above lay emphasis on areas of church life that sometimes lead to some controversy, and these are leadership and selfless service. It takes a broken life to offer selfless service to other people; it takes an understanding of what is at stake, who it is you work for, why you work and what you are working for, for a person to go all out in service for a God you have not yet physically seen, but you know, without a shadow of doubt, that He is alive, and a rewarder of all who diligently seek Him. It is the start point for anything of value.
All three of the writers - Paul, Silas and Timothy knew what this call by God required of them. All of them were leaders of the church at the time, in various places and fields. No man can take on the task of leadership by himself, arrogate to himself the power of leadership. The One who owns the church is the One who calls men to all levels of leadership and service, and it will do me a great deal of good to know who I am, and where I have been called to stand and serve. The title should not define me; irrespective of what men call me, I know who I am working for. This understanding will help me, whether I am a 'leader' or a 'follower' or wherever it is that I am asked to occupy. I have a duty to help, pray for and support all who have been placed over me. I do not envy a man based on title, but I respect the grace and call of God on their lives, and keep asking God to uphold and help them.
One good way to keep me grounded is to act as I would if the positions were reversed. How would you want other people to support you when you need it? God uses situations and people to prepare us for what He wants us to achieve for Him. There will be times when my best preparation is supporting another person and being willing to act in the shadow, maybe unknown. It is not easy being a leader of men, especially when not all of them have the clear understanding of what spiritual leadership is about. I must not push myself forward as if I am the best available. I am content doing what God has asked me to so, and supporting all who lead and direct. This is the path to peace that God commands, and as the word of God has said, He is not an author of confusion. If indeed I have God, I will seek and pursue peace. Do you have God in you? Your contents will define your pursuit. God's time of favour is here.
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