Deep Appreciation

“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work” (I Thessalonians 5:12-13).

As you are aware, October is designated as “Clergy Appreciation Month.” This is the time each year when local congregations are encouraged to show their appreciation for the shepherds God has set in their midst. Although such appreciation is not limited to a single month, October is special in that way.

This past Sunday, you as a congregation were faithful in fulfilling the words of Paul in I Thessalonians. You expressed your appreciation to your pastors. On behalf of Pastor Greg and Nicole, Pastor Nathanael and Miriam, Pastor Jivko and Julie, as well as Ruth and I, we want to express our deep thanks to you for your generosity. Yet having said that, can I tell you that what we are most thankful for is not the gifts you gave (although the books, cards, candy, baked goods, money [did I say candy?] and other gifts were awesome, too many to identify each giver individually). What we are most thankful for is the privilege we have of serving you as your pastors. Here’s why.

Who but God could take ordinary men and their wives and place them in the wonderful and blessed position of serving God’s people? The deepest of personal blessing comes to us as we serve you. So whereas you have expressed your appreciation to us, in reality it is we who must share our appreciation to you for allowing us to serve, to enter into your lives at the deepest level and watch God work for his glory and our good. We don’t consider what we do as “work,” but rather as the wonderful demonstration of God’s grace in our lives, allowing us to partner with you for the sake of the gospel.

In that light, there are two additional things that I am personally appreciative of. First, I deeply appreciate your responsiveness to the preached word of God week after week. Frankly, your hunger for the scriptures is what motivates me in large measure as I prepare to preach each week. You keep me focused in that regard. And second, I am deeply appreciative of the wonderful young men God has brought to our staff. I can’t imagine a more dedicated or self-sacrificing pastoral staff.

In another place, the Apostle Paul said, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.” Although he was referring to the gift of salvation, it’s hard not to apply his words to our mutual spirit of thanksgiving; you for your pastors, and your pastors for you. Isn’t God good in that way?