Has anyone ever stood up for you? Did you ever have anyone who worked their hardest to look out for you and for your best interests? Have you ever known of someone who selflessly put you above themselves for no gain or credit or benefit to them? Have you ever hurt someone and yet that someone was still there for you and tried to do you good? Has anyone ever, out of the blue, called to check on you, to express interest in your walk with the Lord and even told you that they were praying for you? Have you ever had anyone like this in your life?
Take this a step further. Do you know anyone who longs so desperately for you individually to go to heaven that they will plead your case to Jesus Himself on the day of judgment? Is there anyone in your life who will even put their own eternity on the line for you?
Brethren, please take a moment and thank God for your elders, for your spiritual shepherds! Everything asked above describes the work (and the heart) of God’s shepherds! Pray for them! Encourage them! Love them! Honor them! Follow them!