Holy Bible:   1 Timothy 5:17-25

    17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.  
    18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.  
    19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
    20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
    21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
    22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. 
    23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.  
    24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
    25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

Verse: 1 Timothy 5:17
     "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.  "

     I was at my grandson’s eighth-grade football game when the referee indicated there was a penalty and stopped play. Apparently, after the ball was thrown, the boy who passed it was tackled, prompting a penalty flag. The announcer from the press box said: “There is a flag on the field. The penalty is roughing the pastor… I mean, roughing the passer”. As soon as he said it, I thought to myself, God could give that penalty to some churches today!

     It’s not that pastors are perfect. If that is what we are looking for, then pastorless churches would be the norm. It’s that God calls on us to honor those who lead us spiritually, particularly “those who labor in preaching and teaching” (Timothy 5:17). In my opinion, pasturing is one of the hardest occupations on the planet. We live in a sophisticated, fast-paced, and complex world, and our expectations foe “high-performance” pastors often set the bar at unattainable heights.

     So, let’s switch the focus and become high-performance church members who honor our pastors with words of encouragement and prayer. A supportive note or a “thank you” in the foyer will go a long way to stimulate pastors to serve with joy and efficiency. – Joe Stowell

Lord, help us co appreciate

The work that others do,

The service given from their hearts,

Their sacrifice for You – Sper

Conclusion:  Don’t be rough on your pastor – pass along some encouragement today.