Worthy of Respect

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach. (1 Tim. 3:2)

Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. (1 Tim. 3:8)

In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. (1 Tim. 3:11)

Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (1 Thess. 5:12-13)

Leaders/servants in the church must be worthy of respect. This is different from all other up-and-down relationships. Children must respect their fathers and mothers because they are their fathers and mothers, not because they are respectable. If it were necessary for parents to be worthy of respect before they become parents, the world would have a small population. It is the same with kings, governors, and masters. They are to be given respect because of their position, whether or not they are worthy of respect. This is not true in the church. Elders must be examples to the flock, the kind of example which, if imitated by the church, would make the church more godly.

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7). If we consider the outcome of their way of life and find out that they are not worthy of respect, we should not imitate them. If they are not worthy of respect, they should not be elders or deacons.

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