1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NIV) Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

Christian living is all about relationships. We relate vertically with God by worshiping and obeying Him. On the horizontal plane, we relate with other people. The Word of God tells us to honor our spiritual leaders. Pastoral ministry is a high calling and rewarding but it can also be hard, lonely and stressful. Pastors work hard to lead, teach and guide the people of God. It’s no wonder that Apostle Paul instructs the believers to respect and honor them.  Respect for ministers of God is a Christian virtue (see Hebrews 13:17). We also relate with other believers especially the EGPs (Extra Grace Persons) –those who easily irritate us and a difficult to get along with. We are to rebuke the lazy ones, encourage the weak, help the timid and be patient with everybody.

Have you been an encouragement to your pastor lately? Find a practical way to let your pastor know that you appreciate the work he/she is doing.

Practicing Christian Spiritual Disciplines

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – NIV).

Christian life is dynamic. For a Christian to grow in one’s relationship with God they ought to practice certain Godly habits. The Word of God highlights some of them such as: joyfulness, thanksgiving, being open to the work of the Spirit in our lives, discernment, and moral purity.

We can be confident that living out the above disciplines is possible because of the grace of God available to us. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do the will of God. God is totally committed to us. He provides all that it takes for us to lead a life worthy of Him.

Where in your Christian walk do you feel you are doing well? Which Godly habits do you think you need to develop?