October is Clergy Appreciation Month. Have you heard the word clergy before? Really, it’s just a fancy word for a religious leader. Maybe you’d be more familiar with the word pastor.
This is the month when you get to “give double honor to spiritual leaders who handle their duties well. This is especially true if they work hard at teaching the word of God” (1 Timothy 5:17).
Maybe you don’t realize just how hard it is to be a pastor. (Pastor is the Latin word for “shepherd.”) As shepherds, they care for and watch over everyone in the church.
Maybe you don’t necessarily think about it, but your pastors are not only there for other people, but they are there for you also. Does something in the Bible confuse you? They’ll look with you to find God’s answer. They’ll pray with you if you are sad or hurt. Is there trouble at school or in your family? Pastors are there to pray with you and encourage you.
So this month follow God’s command to “obey your leaders, and accept their authority. They take care of you because they are responsible for you” (Hebrews 13:17).
Chomp on this!
What things do you appreciate about your pastor?
What are some ways your family can show thankfulness?
Dear Good Shepherd, thank you for giving us pastors as our shepherds. We appreciate that they do their jobs well and that they work hard at teaching your Word. Help us show them our respect. Please also be with their families, who share them willingly with all of us. Amen.
