Remembering Faithful Servants

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   Yesterday was Veteran's Day. Like many on our calendar, it is a day where we take time to reflect and remember all that has taken place so that we might be free. Veteran's Day is different from Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day in one particular way. On Armed Forces Day, we remember those who are currently serving in our nation's military. On Memorial Day, we honor those who died in service to our country. However, on Veteran's Day, we remember those who have served in the military. I come from a long line of military service going back to the beginning of our nation's founding. I am honored to have been part of that legacy, and I pray I lived up to that heritage.

   The importance of showing appreciation for faithful service applies even in the church. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, the Apostle Paul writes, "But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another." In these verses, Paul speaks of at least one and possibly two or more groups who are worthy of appreciation: those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction. 

   In our churches, we have people who serve faithfully in ways that are seen and unseen. Sometimes these are leaders; often they are followers. Every person who serves diligently in our churches, who willingly and eagerly uses his or her gifts for the building up of the body of Christ, is worthy of appreciation and esteem. Those who have a long legacy of faithful service are particularly worthy of praise. As we celebrate Veteran's Day today, let us take the opportunity to show our appreciation to those who serve faithfully within our churches in the same way we would to those who have honorably served our country as well.