Dear Brother,
My pastor’s flight just arrived. I came to the airport early so I’d have plenty of time to park the car and then meet his plane. As he came into sight, I went to him quickly; he always carries such a heavy brief case, and I wanted to carry it for him. Then we embraced and went to get the rest of his luggage. Two large bags… It always bothered me that I could not carry them and his brief case at the same time. Apologizing, I gave him the brief case so I could carry the two large bags to the car. Plans were made so we could stop for a meal, or we could go directly to the hotel (where I pre-checked the room and provided a small fruit basket and his favorite soft drinks.)
A foolish and selfish man asked me once, “Why do you do all that for him?” “Because I want to serve him,” I replied, “I want to honor my pastor.” “But he ought to be serving you,” he said, “because the greater should serve the lessor.” He was so ignorant of the gifts of Christ to His Church.
As I tried to explain to that man, I certainly don’t need him to carry my suit cases; but my pastor does serve me. He watches for my soul. He feeds me with the Word in season. He prays for me. He pours life into me every time we are together. I needed to express my love for him. It is in my heart to give honor to the man of God, Christ’s gift in my life; because when I give him honor, it releases his authority to effectively work in my life.
I’m writing, brother, to urge you to find ways you can honor your apostolic oversight. Honor him before others. Send him a gift for his birthday and at Christmas. See if there is some way you can serve him with your time. It is not his need, but your oppportunity to honor the Lord in your apostle/pastor. Our love for the Lord can be measured by our love for His gift ministry in our lives. I also want to release you from any burden, thinking that you would need to bring correction in his life. Your apostle/pastor should be accountable and should be receiving oversight in like manner.
“As you receive your apostle, you receive Jesus; and he who receives Jesus, receives the Father who sent Him.” (paraphrase of Matthew 10:40) At this time I want to encourage you to seek the Lord. Are there ways you can more fully give honor to your pastor? Can you find fresh ways to lovingly serve him? This becomes a wonderful way of demonstrating your love for the Lord.
Bruce
