"Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over 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." 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NIV 1984)

Recently, I shared part of my story at four services at my home church. It was one of the biggest honors of my life. And my biggest take away? I don't know how pastors do it.
Honest to goodness, I don't.
Sitting on the front row as each finished worship song signaled it was getting closer and closer to the time for me to step on stage, my heart became more and more desperate for Jesus to come back. Right now. Rapture? Hello? God? Please?
But no rapture came.
And soon there I was in front of my home church sweating like a toad on a hot tin roof. If toads sweat. I have no idea. And I'm way too tired to Google it. Anyhow.
There is something so different about speaking at your home church.
I felt a weight of responsibility. I felt it in my heart. I felt it in my soul. I felt it in my brain.
And I thought to myself, how does my pastor do this every week? How does he craft a new sermon, get comfortable with that completely new material, carry the weight of responsibility, feel the anxiety of walking up on that stage, deliver a timed message in tune with the Holy Spirit, and then do it 2 to 3 more times during that same weekend? And. Then. Do. It. All. Again. Next. Weekend.
Seriously.
And when I was finished speaking, I sat down and decided I was going to write my pastor a letter. A letter to tell him how much I appreciate what he does and how much he sacrifices each and every week.
So I was thinking, maybe this would be a good thing for us to do together today. Let's pull out a piece of stationary or a card, and write our pastors some words of encouragement in a thank you note. And if we happen to know what his favorite restaurant is, and we're able, let's send him a gift card to take his wife out for dinner.
She carries the weight too. In a big way. As a matter of fact, let's write her a note of thanks as well.
Just as Paul urged the Thessalonians to esteem those working for the Lord, might I encourage you today? Our pastors and their wives work hard each week. Let's send a little love their way!
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift You've given my pastor to teach and preach Your precious Word. Please show me specific ways to encourage him and his wife today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

***

Related Resources:

To read "5 Ways to Bless Your Pastor," click here.
Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst
Lysa might be coming to speak in a city near you. To see her schedule, click here.

Reflect and Respond:

If you're honest, which do you do more of: think/speak critical thoughts, or pray encouraging prayers for your pastor and his wife?
Let's stop right this second and write our pastors a thank you note.

Power Verse:

Hebrews 3:13a, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today' ..." (NIV)
© 2012 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105www.Proverbs31.org