A Daily Devotion for Friday, December 16

1Timothy 5:17

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

I am thinking this morning that in many cases the word honor, even in scripture, implies respect but not necessarily worship or blind obedience. Those called by God to preach or to teach God's word should be respected. We will not always agree, and may question them, but we do need to respect them and to listen. Just like parents, who also are to be honored, those in positions of authority in the church are human beings capable of great good but also fallible.

Holy Lord, I do honor those you call to teach your Word. I have not always resonated with everything they have said, but I hope I was always respectful and honored them. I am so thankful you have sent Pastor Jen to be with us in Contoocook . She is such a faithful and capable teacher and disciple. I do honor her and the work she does in your name. Amen

Becky, transforming