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| Volume 25 Number 7 July 2023 |
Page 9 |
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| Volume 25 Number 7 July 2023 |
Page 9 |
Peace in the Local Church
Brian R. Kenyon
Paul encouraged the Thessalonians “…recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Paul gave the Thessalonians two initial imperatives. First, they were to appreciate their elders. The word “recognize” [“know” KJV; “appreciate” NAS; “respect” ESV] carries the meaning of acknowledging the true value of. That these were elders is seen by the description of their work as being “over you in the Lord” (cf., 1 Timothy 3:4-5; 5:17). Second, they were to respect their elders. The word “esteem” carries the idea of having regard for (cf., Philippians 2:3; 3:7-8). Note that elders are neither to be respected because of their personalities (though they should have respectable personalities, cf., 1 Timothy 3:1-7) nor for their outside interests. Rather, they should be respected for their “work’s sake.” The work elders do is very serious and sacrificial on their part (cf., Hebrews 13:17). When elders are appreciated and respected in love for their work’s sake, the church will be “at peace among yourselves” (1 Thessalonians 5:13). Disharmony in a local church is often the result of either elders not doing their work (and receiving no appreciation or respect from the members) or elders doing their work without the appreciation or respect of the members (because the members neither appreciate nor respect God’s will). Let us continue recognizing the good work of elders and keep respecting and appreciating them for it. May we never take for granted the peace that exists within a congregation. Let us thank God and elders’ sacrifice for it!
