TEXT: IThess. 5:12-14
INTRODUCTION: In the Church, we often forget that we members have a responsibility in our Leaders.
There is a relationship between what you do with our Leaders and the blessing that accrue to us. So, whoever doesn’t take heed to giving maximum love, care & attention to his/her leaders has missed a great lot. Some of us have locked up our blessing simply because we have refused to consider the Evangelist. “Those without” have understood this principle so much that they key into it so much, even in their ignorance.
It is also unfortunate that Evangelists in the body of Christ often refuse to give this sermon so they don’t sound beggarly before members. Please, any evangelist who fails to teach giving to him by members has not done the members any good, and is making them miss their blessing.
The scripture instructs us to obey our leaders and submit to them. Heb. 13:17; ITim. 5:1; Lev. 19:32.
We are instructed to reciprocate our gesture to the Evangelist by giving him physical and all things for the spiritual benefits we arrive from his teachings and prayers. Gal. 6:6
Paul talked about this in detail in ICor. 9:1-16
Now, listen to these:
- You see him look exhausted, a simple “how was your day” could help him feel you care
- Evangelists and medical Doctors have something in common: People believe they are fine as long as they are breathing
- You are quick to asking the Evangelist, “are you praying for me?” Have you ever told him, “I am praying for you, Sir.”
- You know how to accuse the Evangelist and other leaders of not visiting you. Have you ever stopped at their houses or office to say, “hello?”
- You boldly tell the Evangelist and other leaders you are going on vacation, but have you ever told them that they need to take a break and rest. Or, do you say it is unscriptural and carnal for the Evangelist to take his leave as approved by the church? “This is unscriptural; this is not civil service or company.” Is that what you say?
- The Evangelist smiles at you and says “it is well with you.” Do you know that he could also be referring to himself because he is not ok in-ward.
- The Evangelist is human, too. Trust me, there are days he feels very down due to pressure of life. There are days he doesn’t have the strength to mount the pulpit but he tries his best to avoid complain by us, and due to the necessity placed on him by God. Sometimes, it is just the fine suite he wears that covers him.
- I have seen an Evangelist/Elder quit because of depression. We know how to fault our leaders, but we may not care that they have pains, too.
- Everyone knows how to judge his leaders thinking they are Angels, but they revolt when the same leaders want to discipline them.
- We hold down the Evangelist/Leaders for hours for counselling, even when their wives and kids need them, yet they must do it. Counselling committee members abandon their personal duties to sit on your issue to help you, yet you end up insulting them, even at that instance, and after.
- The Marriage adhoc committee stays days to plan a beautiful wedding ceremony for you, yet, you go out of the way to offend God and them by doing what pleases you and displeases God, saying “I will ask for forgiveness later.” My brother, you are doing yourself harm.
- You put on Italian shoes and suite, yet the Evangelist’s shoes are worn out. Check yourself.
- You sell palm oil, yet the preacher is spending so much to have oil in his kitchen?
- You can encourage the Evangelist and other leaders to succeed
- Send words of messages of love and encouragement to them, not always accusations
- When last did you call the Evangelist to say, hi, and ask after his kids. Have you ever asked him if his kids are doing well in school?
- Remember, they have the onerous job of watching over your spiritual well-being. The happier and more stable they are, the better they will discharge their duties over your life.
- Help your leaders succeed.
CONCLUSION: Some Preachers may never have the boldness to mention these because of their integrity. They don’t want to sound beggarly. The Leaders have great responsibility of laboring for our souls. James 5:14. We have to consider them, encourage them, and support them with all good things (PHYSICAL & SPIRITUAL). We are not to deprive them of the things of life, or make derogatory statements that discourage them from working for the benefit of our souls. I ASK, WHEN LAST DID YOU GIVE TO THE PREACHER? WHEN LAST DID YOU WALK UP TO THE PREACHER TO SAY, “THANK YOU FOR YOUR GOOD WORKS IN MILE 4 CONGREGATION? God bless you as you put these words into practice.
