Share all good things Galatians 6:6 "One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches." (ESV)

Through my own studies on elders I have come to a definite position on elders/salaries/payment/etc., but it is not my intention to explore that here or even to attempt to define my views. Here is an example of someone who is doing that (use discernment - just found this through a quick search and haven't looked at anything else on the site).

Instead I would to like encourage you to think of tangible ways in which you can honor those in authority over you, especially those of you whose elders practice a two-office view. For those who do not know what that is, certain presbyterian denominations (like the PCA) hold to a two-office view regarding elders, with a (usually salaried and seminary trained) teaching elder and the ruling elders, called from among the congregation. In my limited experience I have seen the hard work of ruling elders who work normal jobs and also minister among the flock through teaching classes, prayer, visits to the sick and elderly and other various biblical duties of elders. These men to not receive monetary compensation for their work, even though they can often do as much as the "pastor."

1Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages."

Are the men who labor among you worthy of honor? Do they watch over your soul and labor in teaching you and in preaching the gospel of Christ? Think of a ways that you may bless your elders to show them "double-honor." Drop him a note, take him out to lunch, buy him a book, send his family a gift. Share all good things with the one who teaches.

EDIT: If i had looked earlier, I would have seen that Dave Black has a similar posting over at his Blog (look under Thursday, Feb 9). 

¶ 2/09/2006 10:49:00 AM