1 Thessalonians 5:12
But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in the Lord and give you instruction.
They Who Work With Us
1 Corinthians 15, 16
You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.
1 Corinthians 12:28
And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
They Who Preside Over Us
1 Timothy 5:17
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.
Humility and submission are rare in these days. But more than ever absolutely necessary. Humbleness is refusing to put ourselves first; it is an unselfish, selfless, attitude in life towards everyone and everything.
Humility is acknowledging that without God we are nothing. A humble spirit is not a weak spirit. In point of fact, humility in ourselves is strength.
Our first priority of a humble heart is to submit ourselves to God, to His Authority. To surrender our hearts and our lives to Jesus Christ as Savior of our souls and Lord of our lives.
After that we willingly submit in love to the Christians who work with us in God's fields, field where humble works are vitally needed. Matthew 9:36-38 (36) "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (37) Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. (38)Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.”
Let us be workers of the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ; sharing Him with everyone around us. And as we surrender ourselves to the work with which our God has laid on us, may we work with joy as we submit to one another in love.
Ephesians 5:21 "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." And again in Galatians 5:17 "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love."
Philippians 2:3 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves."
