Bible Reading: 2 Chronicle 35. 1 Timothy 5:10-18
“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” – 1 Timothy 5:17 (KJV).
The scriptures admonishes us to honour the elders that rule well with double honour. It is our duty to honour the leadership that God has placed over us in the church or Christian circle. We are to respect, obey, submit to their leadership and honour them. The Lord demands extra honour (double honour) for the elders that rule well especially those that labour in study, preaching and teaching kingdom principles, impacting kingdom values and doctrine. By doctrine here, it simply means teaching of the commandment and word of God.
We are to honour them by obeying them, by submitting to them, by our service and with our finances and substances. We are to support them with the material things God has blessed us with to encourage them as they minister to us. We are to obey them because they will give account of us before God so that they will do it with joy and not with grief.
Ministers of the word need our encouragement and support to enable them render their services to us for our profiting. It is evident that there are many that are in the ministry for their stomach, ego and selfish interest, but the scripture makes it clear that we should render double honour to elders that serve well because the labourer is worthy of his labour. Those who sincerely labour in teaching and preaching the doctrines of Christ should be honoured by the flocks they serve so they can give full concentration to the word and their service to the church without distraction.
It is evident that ministers of the gospel cannot be paid by man, but they should be supported while they await their full reward for their kingdom service in heaven. However, this provision must not be abused by gospel ministers by insisting on monetary compensation and putting prices on their services. They should preach the gospel without charge for freely we received, freely we give (Matthew 10:8).
PRAYER: Lord, help me to honour and support the leaders you have placed in the church.
Rev. Vincent Diolu