Recognition of Leaders and Workers in God's House

1 Timothy 5: 17 Give a bonus to leaders who do a good job, especially the ones who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 Scripture tells us, "Don't muzzle a working ox," and, "A worker deserves his pay." 19 Don't listen to a complaint against a leader that isn't backed up by two or three responsible witnesses. 20 If anyone falls into sin, call that person on the carpet. Those who are inclined that way will know right off they can't get by with it. 21 God and Jesus and angels all back me up in these instructions. Carry them out without favoritism, without taking sides. 22 Don't appoint people to church leadership positions too hastily. If a person is involved in some serious sins, you don't want to become an unwitting accomplice. In any event, keep a close check on yourself. 23 And don't worry too much about what the critics will say. Go ahead and drink a little wine, for instance; it's good for your digestion, good medicine for what ails you. 24 The sins of some people are blatant and march them right into court. The sins of others don't show up until much later. 25 The same with good deeds. Some you see right off, but none are hidden forever. (The Message)

Please forgive the tardiness of this devotional. I started writing some of it last night and this morning at about 5:45 a.m. I sat to complete it. Then a bug decides to fly into my ear. It was the loudest buzzing and weirdest sensation I ever experienced; and the bug did not want to leave. Long story short: Two hours in ER and I'm now bug free! Of course I was late for an important district meeting and I've been playing catch-up since then. I now hate that expression, "Let me put a bug in your ear."

Christian leadership is both rewarding and demanding. Christian leadership is done out of love for Jesus Christ and not for pay. Some do get paid for it, and some very well, but overall, it is done to serve God and to enrich and bless the lives of believers and pre-believers alike. It is also done to reach new believers. Recognition is nice for Christian workers. It affirms their work and blesses others who have not yet said Yes to God in serving Him. The "bonus" that Paul speaks of, is the recognition that Timothy is to give hard-working leaders who excel at preaching and teaching. And the oversight of leaders and workers should be done in Christian love, with fairness and unbiased attention. Complaints against leaders should be backed up by two or three responsible witnesses, and those who sin should be dealt with quickly. Paul is so convinced about this procedure that he says that God and Jesus and angels all back him up in these instructions. Above all, a good Christian leader will keep an eye on him/herself. A leader will take care of him/herself in a way that renews and refreshes the body. He concludes by saying that both sins and good deeds cannot be hidden; sins should be dealt with and good deeds recognized.

What is God calling you to do? What will happen if you say Yes, as you know you should?

PRAYER: Loving God, bless those who pray this prayer as their own. May they come to the place of service to which You have called them. May they serve in loving ways out of the love they have for You and are blessed by the love You have for us. As we move into more responsibile positions, may we glorify You. We pray this in Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!

Eradio Valverde