Twin Peaks

The scripture for today is 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

 

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

 

God has placed ministry gifts within the church for the purpose of building up the Body of Christ for the work of ministry. Those who have been called and anointed by the Holy Spirit for this work are not exercising their own authority, but the authority given by Christ Himself. So, those who labor in the Word and leadership of the church, are vessels through whom God is working for His purposes. Yes, there are those who are in the ranks who are not called by God at all, but those who live sacrificial lives to promote the gospel and minister to the needs of the saints, are to be esteemed highly in love.

 

It is the love of God that motivates the things that we do. We are God’s heritage, and those whom He chooses to lead His people are not better than the people whom they lead; they simply have a calling and anointing from God to labor among His people for His purposes. It is not man who is esteemed, it is God and the work that He is doing through His servants that is esteemed.

 

It should not be named among us that we have divisions in the church based on who is following whom. Is it not Christ that we are instructed to follow? Yes, we are instructed to “follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21  

 

It is through the peace that God gives through the fruit of the Spirit that we overcome the discord created by the evil one. That peace comes as the love of God is our motivation. "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you are called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 The apostle admonishes us to “Be at peace among yourselves” and esteem highly in love those who labor among us.  Let us do it for love’s sake.

 

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim