In what ways can we honor God's anointed in our church community? Setting the Scene: Who Are God’s Anointed? Psalm 105:15 says, “Do not touch My anointed ones; do no harm to My prophets.” In the Old Testament, that referred to kings, priests, and prophets. In today’s church the term rightly includes: • Pastors, elders, missionaries, and teachers who have been publicly set apart for gospel service • Brothers and sisters endowed by the Spirit for specific ministries (1 Corinthians 12:4–7) Because Scripture is accurate and literal, the warning still stands: to honor the Lord we must honor those He has anointed. The Scriptural Foundation • Psalm 105:15 — God personally shields His anointed. • 1 Samuel 24:6 — David refused to harm Saul: “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD’s anointed.” • Hebrews 13:17 — “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls.” • 1 Timothy 5:17 — “The elders who lead well are worthy of double honor.” Practical Ways to Honor God’s Anointed in Our Church Community 1. Speak Well and Guard Your Words • “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths” (Ephesians 4:29). • Refuse gossip; if correction is needed, speak directly and lovingly (Matthew 18:15–17). 2. Pray Faithfully for Them • “I urge… that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered… for all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1–2). • Include their families, health, and spiritual strength. 3. Support Their Ministry Tangibly • “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14). • Share resources, time, and skills; volunteer joyfully (Galatians 6:6). 4. Show Submission and Cooperation • Hebrews 13:17 calls us to make their work “a joy, not a burden.” • Follow leadership decisions unless they clearly violate Scripture (Acts 5:29). 5. Protect from Harm or False Accusations • “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses” (1 Timothy 5:19). • Defend their reputation when you hear slander. 6. Encourage and Refresh Them • “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). • Notes of thanks, sincere compliments, and practical help replenish weary servants (Proverbs 25:13). 7. Follow Their Christ-Centered Example • “Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). • Let their faith stir yours; multiply their ministry by living out what you learn. 8. Resolve Conflict Biblically • Go privately first (Matthew 18:15). • If unresolved, bring witnesses, then church leadership—never social media. 9. Honor Their Families • Remember spouses and children often carry hidden burdens. • Offer childcare, meals, and friendship without treating them as unpaid staff. 10. Celebrate Milestones and Faithful Service • “Give honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7). • Anniversaries, ordination dates, answered prayers—all are occasions to rejoice together. Guarding Against Common Pitfalls • Familiarity breeding contempt: stay mindful that position does not erase humanity; leaders still sin and need grace. • Envy of visibility: rejoice that God appoints different roles (1 Corinthians 12:18). • Passive dependence: honor includes doing your own part; every member ministers (Ephesians 4:16). The Blessing That Flows From Honor When David honored Saul, God later honored David (2 Samuel 7:8–16). A church that treasures its leaders experiences: • Greater unity (Psalm 133:1) • Deeper joy in worship • Accelerated gospel impact • A living testimony that we believe what we preach—that Christ Himself is worthy, and we honor Him by honoring those He has anointed. |
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