I am sure there are many of you reading this who, at some time, have attended a church service, a Bible study, or Sunday School class. The leaders and teachers of the church are working through the spiritual gifts that have been placed upon them by the Holy Spirit. The time and committment that they invest should be remembered and honored by those who have received instruction under their tutelage.
The apostle Paul has some things to say about the life of the church in the thirteenth chapter of Hebrews. Let us look at verse seven which reads: Hebrews 13:7 (NIV) "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."
He says to "remember"; acknowledging that this is a recognized duty that could be forgotten if one is less than diligent. The rememberance itself should be in the form of prayers for divine assistance, words of affirmation whether written or spoken, and, if so moved by the spirit, through givings. It also comes in the act of imitating their actions and faith.
Why would we want to put such emphasis on bringing to mind the lives of those who have presented the word of the Lord to us? The fact that the Bible, through the Apostle Paul, is admonishing us to is one reason. If specific names and faces have already come to mind, someone at sometime in your life was a witness to the love of God and the sacrifice of His son. Your eternal salvation resulted from another person's dedication.
Give thought to this person's well being by petitioning the Lord on their behalf. Have a genuine interest in the outcome of the years when their ministry and call are still vital and important reflections of their life. Honor them. Encourage them. Support them.
We are called upon to imitate our leader's unwavering strength. Follow their Godly examples. Emulate the unwavering faith of that mentor. Read what Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 1:2-7. He summarizes well:
1 Thessalonians 1:2-7 (RSV)
"We give thanks to God always for you all, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
For we know, brethren beloved by God, that he has chosen you; for our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit;"
Bill and Sally
Larry
Pete
Elsie
Iva
J.C. and Doris
Betty
Don and Carita
Jim and Evelyn
Russell and Helen
Walton and Ruth
John and Ginger
