“…and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves“
for their work’s sake.
No doubt, some leaders do not command respect, but we must respect them for their “work’s sake” – for their office. Respect and love for leaders are not for their sake personally but their “work’s sake.”
Principle:
Respect for local church leadership is important, not for the individual but the ministry of the church.
Application:
There may be no earthly reason to respect your leader except for the purpose of what they do, but we respect them for their ministry. The nature of the work of the local church should motivate us to love and respect leaders.
David would not malign King Saul, although Saul was an unfaithful king. David understood something about the anointing of kings. Kings had the stamp of God’s authority upon them.
“Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones,
And do My prophets no harm” (Psalm 105:15).
No doubt, many abuse their authority in ministry today. There are biblical ways to deal with this.
