HH Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div
Giving Honour and Love to Leaders and ministers and those that labour in Christ Jesus. My brothers and sisters let us take some time to honour those that labour with us, and tell them you appreciate the work they have done. Show some acts of kindness and let them know they are not forgotten.
In the past few years, many of us in the ministry have had the opportunity to get to know one another. What a joy it has been to pray, worship, fellowship and spend time with men and women who labour for Jesus Christ, and who sacrifice that the gospel might be taught and understood. Sure we have done that face to face, on the phone, texting, in conversation or by emails. Thank you all for the undying love and commitment you have to God, as we all labour together for the unity that we can have in Jesus Christ.
We have all been through what seems like a prolonged warfare. Members and ministers alike have felt the sting of wounds and experienced casualties among friends and families. We know that our adversary, the devil, is active to deceive and destroy. He does not want people to learn and grow in the truth. I praise God that He has intervened to lead so many of our spiritual leaders out from under the veil of blindness that remains when anything but Jesus is the centrepiece of our lives.
When I use the term “spiritual leaders,” my mind thinks of members and ministers who are not ashamed to proclaim the Name of Jesus Christ. I have thanked the members several times in emails, personally on the phone or face to face, and will continue to do so. In this letter, I want to focus on those leaders who are labouring in the church and in the field ministering to the lost, dying, sick and shut in. I’m reminded of what Paul told the Thessalonians, “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you and 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). As I have been giving thanks for the dedicated men and women who are in full-time ministry, I have been giving more thought to what Paul was saying. I have also reflected on this same passage in The Message: The Great Commission: “And now, friends, we ask you to honour those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love! Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part.”Please give me a few moments to share a few insights about these three key thoughts Paul expressed:
- Honour,
- Overwhelm with Appreciation
- Get Along.
