2 Chronicles 35:2
“And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,”
Being a spiritual leader can at times be one of the most thankless jobs. We have all heard the stories of those spiritual leaders who abused their position, but for every one who abused their position, there are hundreds of others who invested their lives and helped those whom they’ve led. I’m afraid that we are often guilty of focusing on those negative leaders instead of focusing on those who are helping.
When Ezra set the office of the priests in order, he made sure that he encouraged them as they fulfilled their duties. I think Ezra understood that if they were going to help him, he needed to be sure to encourage them. Whether it is your pastor, those who assist him, Sunday school teacher, or an evangelist or missionary, you should regularly take time to be an encouragement to spiritual leaders. Let me give you several suggestions on how you can be an encouragement to your spiritual leaders.
First, pray for them. I don’t know of a greater way to encourage those who spiritually lead you than to pray for them. The Devil is after them, and your prayers for protection, wisdom and blessings on their life can be the difference between them quitting or going forward in their calling. You should make it a point every day to remember your spiritual leaders in prayer.
Second, write them notes of encouragement. You don’t have to write them a note every week, but you should make it a point to give them a short note of encouragement and let them know the blessing they have been to you. Let me encourage you not to just write your pastor a note of encouragement, but write notes of encouragement to all of your spiritual leaders. We all think of our pastor when writing these notes, but there are many others who are spiritually influencing our lives who could use a note of encouragement.
Third, get involved! One of the biggest areas of discouragement I hear from spiritual leaders is the lack of involvement from their people. Don’t have the mindset that you are going to watch them do the work. Jump in and help them by getting involved. This can often be the great source of encouragement to them, and it will help lift the burden they carry.
Fourth, change your life for the better. It greatly encourages spiritual leaders when they see those they preach and teach to adhere to what they are giving. They don’t feel like they are speaking to the wind when they see their followers changing areas of their lives because of what is being preached or taught.
Fifth, help others to grow. When you start helping others to grow in the LORD, you will find that it will not only encourage you, but it will encourage those who spiritually lead you. You can be a source of great encouragement by investing your life to help others grow in the LORD.
Friend, let this devotional cause you to ponder what you can do to encourage your leaders. Don’t be the follower who discourages with constant criticism. Be the follower who is a constant source of encouragement to those who invest their lives to spiritually help others.