09 Nov Esteem Your Leaders

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thess 5:12-13

The Bible is full of verses that encourage us to be thankful for those in leadership over us, but not only to be glad we have them, but to esteem them highly. It takes a certain amount of character to choose to honour someone despite how we may feel about them. For some believers, this is where it begins. However Christ wants us to rise from that place to somewhere where we have a very high regard, deep admiration and love for our leaders. This is a place obtained by grace through prayer, and begins with a choice to give our heart to those over us.

David in the scriptures is an example of someone who cared deeply for King Saul, the leader over him, even though Saul had intentions of murder in return. David had given the heart, and when Saul did die prematurely, David sang a heartfelt song of mourning and genuine sadness. David gave his heart, and God added grace to it.

In prayer this week whilst giving thanks to God for my leaders, I found that power was added to me whilst I prayed that specific prayer. God is wanting us to hold those over us in esteem and be thankful for them and support them. This is the Spirit of sonship.

9 Nov 2012 | Message by David Alley