Honouring and Appreciating Your Leaders
Introduction
Leadership often looks glamorous from the outside — the platform, the influence, the followers. But behind the scenes, leaders often face loneliness, heavy responsibility, and wounds that many will never see. Some chose leadership willingly, but for many, it was thrust upon them by birth, position, opportunity, or simply by God’s call in a moment of need.
Elijah called down fire from heaven, but hours later he wanted to die (1 Kings 19). David returned victorious from battle only to be attacked by those he served (1 Samuel 30). Being a leader does not insulate a person from pain. In fact, leadership often attracts more pressure and criticism.
Why Leaders Need Honour
- Spiritual Leaders Carry a Weight Others Don’t See: Hours of prayer, study, counselling, and decision-making are poured in privately so others can grow publicly.
- They Suffer Invisible Wounds: Criticism, betrayal, family strain, financial pressure, and personal attacks often go unnoticed.
- Scripture Commands It: 1 Timothy 5:17: “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”
- Hebrews 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.”
- David’s Example with Saul: Despite Saul’s failures, David refused to dishonor him, even in death (2 Samuel 1:17–27). David understood Saul’s position was God-given.
How to Show Honour Practically
- Through Our Words: Avoid gossip, mockery, or careless criticism. Even when leaders fall short, speak with respect and caution. Ephesians 4:29 reminds us to let no corrupt talk come out of our mouths.
- Through Prayer: Paul urged the church to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Leaders need intercession for wisdom, strength, and protection.
- Through Support: Galatians 6:6: “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.” Honour includes voluntary generosity, not coerced giving.
- Through Understanding Their Humanity: Leaders are not superhuman. They have emotions, weaknesses, and families. Recognizing their humanity helps us extend grace instead of unrealistic expectations.
Balancing Honour and Accountability
- Honour does not mean blind loyalty. Leaders must still be accountable.
- Correction can still happen, but in a spirit of humility and restoration, not public tearing down.
- Think of honour as the “tone” with which correction and disagreement are delivered.
Kingdom Principle
- To honour a leader is not to idolize them — it is to recognize the weight of their calling and to stand with them in prayer, respect, and support.
Practical Activities
- Prayer Challenge: Commit to praying daily for one leader for a week.
- Honour Note: Write a note of encouragement to a leader who has blessed your life.
- Discussion Exercise: Debate – “Is it possible to honour a leader and still disagree with them?”
Interactive Discussion Prompt
Think of a leader (spiritual, workplace, or community) who has influenced your life.
- How could you show them honour in words, prayer, or support this week?
- What would change in your perspective if you remembered that “even strong leaders bleed in private”?
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