“Hey, what do you think about those elders? Can you believe what they’re doing? Did you hear about that decision they made? What is their problem?!”
It is so easy, sometimes, to talk about others improperly, without sanction and in a hateful, divisive manner. And, to some, talking about the elders in such a manner seems acceptable.
Here is a passage we need to read and consider carefully, especially with regard to the Christian’s responsibilities to his/her elders/shepherds/overseers. “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you…” (1 Thess. 5:12). For the word “recognize,” the NASB has “appreciate” and the ESV has “respect.” Do you appreciate and respect your elders? The next verse continues, “…and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (5:13). Because of their work (and the serious nature of it), we are not only to esteem them, not only to esteem them highly, but to esteem them very highly! So, what do you think of the elders? Thank God for them!