Contributor: K. Wyatt

We often give thanks to individuals who play a huge role in our communities. For example, there’s teacher appreciation week, social worker appreciation month, healthcare worker appreciation day, and so on. But seldom do we hear about appreciation and recognition days or months for our spiritual leaders. Of course, they are just as important as other professionals in our communities. And when it comes to religion, there is a mutual understanding that we honor and take care of spiritual leaders for the selfless work that they do. Because if it wasn’t for some spiritual leaders, we might not have the teachers, social workers, doctors, etc. that we rely so heavily upon. Therefore, it is important to honor and recognize our spiritual leadership, as well. 

Mark 10:45 (NIV) states, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Those who take on the roles of spiritual leaders choose to live a life that reflects that of Jesus Christ. And although Jesus was above everyone else, he still sat and broke bread with sinners and tax collectors (Mark 2:13-17). In the same way, our spiritual leaders want the best for us and will lead by example. However, they will also humble themselves to show their congregation and nonbelievers that they are not better than anyone just because they are performing the Lord’s work. 

Our spiritual leaders show us how to live a life according to the plan of God. They have the ultimate responsibility of helping save our souls and giving us the direction and guidance, we need to make it to Heaven (Hebrews 13:17) and do His work here on earth. The Bible says, “remember your leaders those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7 ESV). This is an extremely important reason to honor our spiritual leadership. 

For many of us, our spiritual leaders are the reason why we put our old ways behind us and started a new life in Jesus Christ. Those who labor in teaching and preaching are worthy of double honor (1 Timothy 5:17). Go and let your favorite spiritual leaders know how much you appreciate them, especially now as they continue to lead us on a path of righteousness through an unforeseeable pandemic.