Esteem Them Highly

The Spirit enjoins us to esteem very highly those who labor among us, give admonishment to us and are over us in the Lord (1Ths 5:12-13).  Presumably Paul is referring to those who labor in the word and prayer (Acts 6:4), who exercise spiritual oversight as shepherds (1Pet 5:2) and who handle the keys of the kingdom in administering spiritual discipline (Mt 16:19; 18:17-18).  As Christians we are to esteem or respect them beyond all measure.  Paul’s word of choice comes with that nuance.  How incredibly counter-cultural!  Modern man loathes giving anyone high esteem.  Indeed, love has grown cold.  He prefers to despise and criticize rather than defer and venerate.  His pride suffers and his fury flares up if he encounters superiority of any kind, whether in age, gifts or office.  We are all equals, he thinks.  We are all experts in every field.  Google levels the playing field and no one is worthy of special regard.  No one deserves particular esteem, especially that which is beyond all measure!  But Christians know better and must esteem very highly those whom God appoints to feed, care for and discipline the flock.  If actually practiced, this discipline of esteeming godly leadership is a tremendous gospel witness to a cynical, loveless, egalitarianistic culture!  But there are two caveats.  First, we must render such deference because of their work (1Ths 5:13).  The kind of esteem of which Paul speaks is not conditioned on style or personality.  We do not render it because of beauty, eloquence or popularity.  Nor do we withhold such unique, public regard because of personal quirks or idiosyncrasies.  Second, those held in such high esteem must strive to do this work.  No one is entitled to it on any other basis.  This is difficult work!  Few actually strive to perform it, or at least to perform it well.  Of course no one is adequate for it and God’s gracious power is evident in our weakness.  But if leaders expect to be esteemed, they must endeavor to fulfill the duties.  If they labor in this spiritual work for the glory of Christ and the benefit of the church, they are worthy of esteem.  But no leader should expect such lofty regard from the saints because of business success, athletic prowess, personal charisma or physical appearance.  Ultimately, it is the Spirit of Christ at work in both leadership and membership that brings to fruition such a display of true spiritual oversight and affectionate deference.  He does so that Jesus Christ may be exalted, proclaimed and treasured by God’s people.