September 14 2026

September 14 Monday

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Appreciate Those Who Serve

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. As Paul begins the closing section of 1 Thessalonians, he gives a number of short, practical instructions about relationships within the church. Today we begin with verses 12 and 13: “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor 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. Be at peace among yourselves.” Paul begins by talking about spiritual leaders. He describes them in three ways.

First, they “labor among you.” Ministry is work. The word Paul uses carries the idea of working to the point of weariness. Faithful ministry requires preparation. Prayer. Teaching. Counseling. Visiting. Encouraging. Correcting. Caring for people in times of sickness, grief, family difficulty, and spiritual need. Much of that ministry happens where nobody else sees it. Then Paul says these leaders are “over you in the Lord.” That speaks of spiritual leadership and responsibility. A pastor is not called to dominate people. Jesus said that leadership among His followers should not imitate the authoritarian leadership of the world. A pastor is a shepherd. He leads. He protects. He feeds the flock with God's Word. And he understands that ultimately the church belongs to Jesus Christ.

Then Paul says they “admonish you.” Sometimes spiritual leadership requires saying things people may not necessarily want to hear. The word admonish includes warning, instructing, and correcting. A faithful pastor cannot simply tell people what makes them comfortable. Paul told Timothy to: “Preach the word!” And then he added: “Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” So how should believers respond to faithful spiritual leadership? Paul says: “Recognize” them. That means appreciate them and understand the responsibility they carry.

Then verse 13 says: “Esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.” Notice Paul doesn't say esteem them because they are celebrities. Or because they have impressive personalities. Or because they preach in large churches. He says esteem them: “For their work's sake.” The honor is connected to the work God has called them to do. I have had the privilege of serving in pastoral ministry for many years, and I can tell you that one of the greatest encouragements a pastor can receive is simply knowing that his people appreciate him, pray for him, and support the work of the ministry.

Hebrews 13:17 reminds us that spiritual leaders “watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.” That is an enormous responsibility. Pastors will answer to God for how they shepherd His people. That ought to make us pray for them. Your pastor needs prayer. He faces temptations. He experiences discouragement. He carries burdens that he often cannot share publicly. He feels deeply the hurts and struggles of the people he serves. And sometimes a simple word— “Pastor, I'm praying for you.”—can mean more than you realize.

But notice how Paul ends verse 13: “Be at peace among yourselves.” That tells us something else about healthy churches. They should be places of peace. Churches are made up of imperfect people. That means disagreements will happen. People will have different opinions. Different personalities. Different preferences. But our unity in Jesus Christ should be greater than our differences. Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Paul wrote in Romans: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” What would happen if every member of every church determined: “I will not be a source of unnecessary conflict.” “I will pray for my leaders.” “I will encourage them.” “I will support the work of the gospel.” “And I will do everything I can to promote peace among God's people.” That would make a tremendous difference.

So today perhaps we can do two simple things. First, pray for your pastor and spiritual leaders. And second, ask: “Am I helping create peace in my church family?”

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for the pastors, teachers, and spiritual leaders You have placed in our lives. Give them wisdom, courage, strength, and faithfulness as they labor in Your Word and care for Your people. Help us to appreciate them, pray for them, and encourage them for their work’s sake. And Lord, make us peacemakers within Your church. Guard us from pride, gossip, unnecessary criticism, and division. Help us to love one another and work together for the glory of Jesus Christ. In His name, we pray. Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!