What Are You In Fact Doing to Encourage?

I Thessalonians 5:11 states, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Verse 12 goes on to say, "Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you."

Our spiritual leaders, elders, deacons, pastors, and teachers, many times have a tough go of it. They're instructed in Thessalonians to maintain a positive spirit and always be praying while warning the unruly, comforting those who are weak, and encouraging the timid (verses 14-18) in all of life's circumstances!

I don't know about you, but just reading the responsibilities our leaders are expected by God to carry out, gives me a whole new appreciation for the position of spiritual leader! Which brings me to my next point - when was the last time you encouraged someone who has spiritually influenced your life or the life of your church? I'm afraid we've become a generation of people who expect our leaders to do all of the work while we continue to sit back and criticize what we think they should be doing. The scriptures tell us in various passages that we are all ministers and teachers, not just those elected by the church.

No wonder our leaders often get weary in serving us! No wonder they don't do all of the things we think they should do! What in fact are you doing to encourage them? May I offer a few suggestions?

• Pray for them, their families and the people they serve, praying that they will remain strong and courageous in the Lord
• Give them a hug and tell them personally how much you appreciate their service
• Invite them and their families to dinner, a cookout or outing your family is going on
• Talk directly to them when you have a concern or disagree with a policy or program, don't speak unkindly about them - this is their number one discouragement
• Walk beside them - go with them when they visit new members or the sick
• Offer to teach a class, babysit in the nursery, go on a mission trip, or finacially back a camper or youth program

Make it a point this week to encourage a spiritual leader. You'll be glad you did!

- author, Cindy Daniels

What are some other ways we can encourage our spiritual leaders?