Friday, October 27, 2023

Friday, October 27, 2023
Titus 1:7
For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.

You may be the closest thing to Christ that a stranger ever encounters. You never know what impact you will have on people, which is why every follower of Jesus, and especially those who teach, should be more like Him. A servant of God should be honorable and wise, but never in their own sight. They should be humble about themselves, and patient towards others, remembering that we all fall short of the glory of God. Whether a Sunday school teacher, bible study leader, or a pastor, it’s the job of teachers and ministers to love God with all their heart, and to love their neighbor as themselves.

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Thursday, October 26, 2023
James 3:1
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

Someone who takes on the role of teaching, leading, or influencing others when it comes to the Christian walk should be wise and careful. It’s not a job for just anyone. God’s word is serious, and even though it’s every believer’s job to share the gospel with the unsaved, not everyone should be preaching from the pulpit. It’s true that the Lord chooses flawed and sinful people to do mighty things… just look at Jesus’ disciples, or even Paul for that matter. But remember that before they became teachers, each one of them was radically changed from the inside out by God, leaving behind the sin they once clung to. What are you clinging to today?

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

A pastor’s responsibility to nurture and strengthen the souls of his congregation is tremendous. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that lives are at stake; not terrestrial, earthly lives, but eternal ones. The right message could plant mustard seeds of faith into a stranger’s heart, but false or misguided teaching could turn many away who would have come to Christ. In Hebrews 13, Paul implores the early church not to make it harder on their leaders and teachers by having a poor attitude. He never instructs believers to embrace questionable doctrine without a second thought, but you should obey the good and righteous people God has put over you and be willing to be corrected by them. It usually isn’t the teacher who needs instruction, but the student.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Chances are you know plenty of people who are working hard to make an impact for Christ, whether they’re teaching Sunday school, hosting bible studies, or preaching on Sunday morning. They may seem like everyday people… and you’d be right. God uses unsuspecting, ordinary, even flawed people to do great things in His name. The people who obey His call are worthy of not only high esteem, but also love and support from the Christians around them. If believers don’t support each other, who will?

Monday, October 23, 2023

Monday, October 23, 2023
1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

Age means experience, experience means character, and good character demands respect. You and I should respect our elders, who came before us and helped shape the world we now live in. Those who have walked with Christ for a long time have doubtless helped others on their walks, too, sharing wisdom gained from experience. They’ve not only changed lives here on earth, but they’ve added lives to God’s Kingdom. Sometimes it’s natural, but sometimes it’s hard work. Don’t let the elders in your life go unappreciated.

Friday, October 20, 2023

Friday, October 20, 2023
Acts 20:28
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

The first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, but the second greatest commandment is to take care of the people He has placed in your life. Jesus told His followers to treat everyone with kindness and respect, even your enemies, but the Word puts special emphasis on taking care of fellow believers. The Body of Christ, God’s people, are carrying out His will here on earth, spreading the gospel and making disciples in all nations. You as one of His sheep should be ready and willing to help and support the flock in any small or big way you can, treating each Christian as an ally, soldier, and sibling in Christ.