Sure, you really like your pastor. You know he or she works really hard and spends countless hours serving the church. Why, you even sent him a card during Clergy Appreciation Month and even took up a collection in Sunday school to buy him a Cracker Barrel gift card on his birthday.
That’s great! You are doing a good thing, the right thing. But, did you know you’re also being obedient to biblical instruction about caring for church leaders? The Bible actually has a lot to say about this subject.
For example, read this from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
And this, from 1 Timothy 5:17
The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
So, why is it important to honor, appreciate and care for our pastors? Because (a) it’s the right thing to do, (b) they deserve it, and (c) the Bible tells us so!