Wonderful time in God's word this morning.
Let's take a closer look.
In 1 Thess. 5:12-13, Paul describes the attitude congregations should adopt toward their leaders.
That's a tall order I might say! But note: Paul is not saying that we should put our leaders on a pedestal or hero-worship them. You see that happen when celebrity pastors have fan clubs. That can happen in a church of any size. Nor is Paul saying that we owe our leaders blind or unthinking loyalty. He is urging us to esteem them, not to think they're infallible. What Paul wants us to do is recognize godly leadership for what it is -- service of others that is born out of love. That is honorable.
Let's ask the Lord to give us the desire and determination to follow through with the application. As the word of God permeates our souls, it enables us to see where improvement is needed.