“Esteem Them Highly in Love”

“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12,13

When you went to someone to learn something from them, how did you treat them? When your teacher in school taught you how to add two numbers together, did you disregard their help, or did you respect their knowledge and authority by paying close attention?

Did you value the time that they spent trying to help you become smarter, and hold them in a higher place of esteem?

The word esteem means “to set a high value on; to regard with respect or reverence.”

The Bible teaches us that those who labor in the Lord, and teach it, that we are supposed to set them in a place of high respect, and honor. In fact, Paul took it even a little bit farther, saying that they should be counted worthy of “double honour.”

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” 1 Timothy 5:17

Out of all of the occupations in the world, there is one that matters far more than the others, and that is the spreading of God’s word. Certainly we need people such as farmers to raise animals and crops to eat, but preaching the Word of God and ministering to others is the greatest thing that we can do, because while the food that a farmer raises will only last a short while, the fruit of a preacher will last forever.

John the Baptist. Peter. James. John. Paul. All of these men dedicated their lives to the Lord, and His teachings. They preached the Word to people everywhere they went, faithfully continuing in the steps of Christ. The apostles of Christ started churches and wrote many letters helping others to grow stronger in their faith in Jesus. They were laborers of the Lord, helping to “grow” new believers for Jesus. Even today, after all of these years, their works are still read and continue to convert people to Christ. These men of God need to be held in a place of honor and esteem.

In 1 Timothy 4, Paul exhorted Timothy to use his gift to help build up others in the faith. Paul also didn’t want others to view Timothy in a disrespectful way just because he was a young man. Timothy was a laborer for the Lord, doing the greatest calling that he could, and that dedication deserved honor and respect.

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

Whether it is your dad who reads the scriptures to you, or your pastor in your church, note those who labour for the Lord. Hold them in a place of high esteem, and honor. Show them your love and appreciation for their time spent helping others to grow in our faith.

In Christ,

Andrew