5 minutes a day 5 days a week - a year of Bible Wisdom

What does the Bible say about "pastor appreciation"?  Is there such a thing, or is it a man-made tradition that churches practice?

Sincerely,
A Little Too Much Gratitude

Dear A Little Too Much Gratitude,

We aren’t completely sure what you mean by “pastor appreciation”.  If you mean a certain day or month to commemorate those who serve as elders in the church… there is no Bible precedent for that.  The Bible never sets aside a specific way or time to show kindness to the eldership.  Heb 13:7 says that we should remember and imitate those who are over us in the church.  Heb 13:17 says that we should submit to the eldership, so their work can be a joy instead of a grief.

Elders have some of the loneliest and most difficult jobs on the planet.  The church eldership has the responsibility to watch over every soul in the congregation.  Elders see every problem, trouble, travail, and heartache that a church faces.  It is the least we can do to humbly show our appreciation for the work they have committed their lives to.  The Bible doesn’t tell us to set a day aside; it tells us to have an attitude of gratitude.

A few people in my family (my aunt, her daughter, and my grandmother) were upset with my parents and decided to not invite them to the family Thanksgiving dinner where we draw names for Christmas, and they excluded my parents from the holidays that year.  My parents were really hurt because I joined in with what they did.  I told my mom I did nothing wrong; it wasn't my party; I did nothing wrong, but she said if I participate in something I know is not right, then I am also guilty of that wrongdoing.  Is she right?

Sincerely,
Innocent Bystander

Dear Innocent Bystander,

It sounds like your extended family is involved in a knock-down, drag-out fight… and you have chosen sides.  Your mother is right; when you participate in something, you are complicit.  Judas didn’t actually crucify Christ, but he led the mob right to Him (Lk 22:47-48).  We don’t know any of the details of your family situation (and don’t particularly need to), but what you did was choose sides.  Which side is right and which side is wrong isn’t the point – you aligned yourself with your extended family.

The Proverbs teach that getting in the middle of a battle that isn’t yours is like grabbing the ears of a dog… never a good idea (Pr 26:17).  You make it clear in your letter to us that this isn’t your fight.  If that is the case, stay completely out of it.  God calls us to seek and pursue peace (1 Pet 3:11).  We recommend you do exactly that.

5 minutes a day 5 days a week - a year of Bible Wisdom

5 minutes a day 5 days a week - a year of Bible Wisdom