October is pastor appreciation month.
Elders, ministry leaders and congregation collaborated in honoring our pastors on Sunday. Words of commendation were spoken and read aloud while photos from the present and past presented poses of our pastors laboring, laughing and lounging. We feasted together after the meeting and bestowed our gifts on them. We honored God in acknowledging the Godly service and example of those who lead us.
Are they perfect? You might have concluded that from the glowing tributes their adult children shared with us. But they wouldn't claim to be and we know they aren't. There have been times of ouch and oops and days when I would not have felt like singing their praises. Isn't that the way we are, though? Relationships we desire closeness with will disappoint.
Sometimes honor feels like kisses and bursting -at -the -seams pride and tears of gratitude, awe and veneration. But what about when it doesn't? When ho hum indifference or resentment or anger crowds out desire to honor? It's so not about us then, but obedience to God's Word to honor those in leadership, including parents and presidents. If honoring through clenched teeth seems hypocritical, then it may be time to make appointments at the throne of grace for attitude alignments, a forgiveness makeover and deep cleansing. Only when we're road worthy to his high Way, can we ask for wisdom and timing to make appeals or confront wrongs.
Help us honor each other as you've asked us to, Father. Not just on special days, but in our hearts and through our words, always.
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
If honoring through clenched teeth seems hypocritical, then it may be time to make appointments at the throne of grace for attitude alignments, a forgiveness makeover and deep cleansing.
ReplyDeleteVery well said! He doesn't want us to be untrue to ourselves; He want our selves to be in line with His truth and love!
I think I saw something from the Gideons in my husband's mail about "Pastor Appreciation Day" recently. As a
ReplyDeletepreacher's kid", I can tell you my dad deserved to be honored!
I never knew there was such a day but it sounds like a nice thing to do....and some of the people go out of their way to give back and make a difference. .
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