Honoring the Elders

Be Strong, Be Well — Saturday, April 25

Shelter-in-place got old very quickly. No one wants to stay in anymore. Yet the very reason we’ve done what we’ve done so far, is because there’s a risk in being together. The risk is still with us.

This has resulted in much discussion on when to open things back up and get on to some normalcy. There are so many variables. What’s best for some may not be the best for everyone.

Difficult decisions were made early on, and difficult decisions continue to be needed. Elderships everywhere have struggled with what to do. They continuously pray for wisdom. They agonize over government and health guidelines of quarantine and social distancing. So what happens next? We’re still waiting for answers.

In the meantime, Paul tells us to honor the elders for the hard work they do. There’s a tremendous responsibility on their shoulders. “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17).

As we draw closer and more hopeful to opening the doors once again, let’s keep in mind the answers we may want, may not be the ones we receive. Even so, we must be supportive of our elders. Pray for them. Love them.

“Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct...Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:7, 17). —Chris