I love this passage of scripture, it exemplifies everything I want to do and be as a follower of Christ. It reminds me to give respect to my leaders and all leaders in the Body of Christ, getting to know them is the key. I know a woman who said she did not want to get to know her pastors outside of Church as it would be like going through their drawers and closets and then she would be unable to respect them. I was baffled as have always wanted to know my leaders and be known by those I lead. Her approach is what I call a pedestal approach and if you put a man or woman on a pedestal they will eventual fall. A pedestal separates the leaders from those that follow them and prevents the leader from teaching by the example of their life whether it be by their victories or failings. I did lead my friend to this very passage of scripture and I hope she has chosen to get to know her leaders. She knew me, but I wasn’t her pastor, although I was her children’s teacher and principal. I hope that I have made a difference in the lives of all I have come in contact with whether it be in person, online, as a friend, as a leader, or simple someone they struck up a conversation with somewhere out of boredom. I wish all who read here a blessed day, a bright future and the knowledge that there is a lifting up.
5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
