Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 15. What are the ways in which Paul admonishes church leaders in regard to how they treat members? Look at the principles there. How can we apply them to ourselves, whatever our role may be in the church? Meanwhile, how should we apply these principles at work, at home, at play, and wherever we find ourselves? See also Matt. 5:43-48.

The tone of Paul’s words carry a high degree of importance. Paul is urging, and admonishing the leaders to hear what he has to say. These words provide a platform for providing ministry in the church. The overall message is that Leaders should be patient with those who they are leading and proving ministry for. Leaders should also exercise their authority in guiding, correcting and encouraging believers. Paul is simply asking the Leaders to show care towards whom they are leading , and to take an interest in their character development. Leading people is not easy, it takes someone who is fully invested. Leading people takes someone who is patient and someone who is loving, and someone who genuinely cares.

Even though we may not be leaders per-say we all have the responsibility to manage the influence that we have over others around us. These same principles can apply when we are dealing with our family and when we are dealing with our co-workers. I would love to live in in a world where people feel accountable to one another , and care about each-others success and salvation. This may be a fanciful ideal but as we each do our part I believe that we can make a difference where we are.

Prayer: Father please help us and teach us to care. Thank you in Jesus name amen.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13. What is Paul's basic point, and how should we apply it to ourselves? In what ways can you better work with, support, and love those who are "over you in the Lord?"

The Lord has a special place in His heart for those whom He appoints and anoints.We are reminded of the epic story concerning David and Saul. This story traces the escapades of an anointed  king who is not yet; David, and an anointed king who is not; Saul. David refuses to hurt Saul because he is God’s anointed (Ps 105:15). This narrative illustrates the importance of God’s anointed. Again we see  Miriam is struck with leprosy for speaking against Moses. God declares basically that,Moses is special to Him therefore respect him. Likewise those whom God has placed over us in the Lord are special to them.

God’s target for our existence is that we we will be saved in His kingdom and those whom He places over us as His servants work toward this end. As our characters are developed ,and we learn the essential lessons for eternity we are prepared to life forever. When we realize that our cooperation is of importance not only for this world but for the next, our resistance drops away and we seek to help those whom God has placed over us. This beautiful cooperation is how it looks like to exist in God’s body, the church as one, we should have this response to ministry.

In some cultures, there is a tendency to distrust and challenge leadership; in others, to blindly submit to it. How has your own culture's attitude toward authority impacted the church in your area?

I believe that in my culture there is sometimes a blind submission to church authority. This blind submission can create leaders who are power monsters. I believe there needs to be a higher degree of accountability toward our leaders to foster healthy church community. No one has all the answers, and as we recognize this by remainingopen to change I believe that everyone wins. At the same time we must remain respectful to whom God has appointed. We should pray for your leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-3)  that God give this the ability to be skilful shepherds  (Psalm 78:72). This is a gracious this response to ministry ordained by God.

Prayer: Father  I pray that we may work together with our leaders, and that you give them wisdom. Teach us how to have authentic community. Thank you in Jesus name amen.