In every generation, God appoints men and women to shepherd His people. They do not rise merely by ambition, popularity, or personal desire. They are called. They are entrusted. They are accountable—not to culture, not to trends, not to applause—but to God Himself.
Yet, in many spaces today, spiritual leaders are scrutinized more than they are supported, criticized more than they are covered, and expected to pour endlessly without being replenished. It is time for us to pause and examine our posture toward those who labor in word, doctrine, prayer, counsel, and sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom.
Scripture reminds us clearly:
“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” 1 Timothy 5:17 (KJV)
Honor is not flattery.
Honor is not blind loyalty.
Honor is not idolization.
Honor is recognizing divine assignment.
It is acknowledging the weight they carry. It is understanding that the oil on their lives often flows through pressure, tears, intercession, warfare, and unseen battles.
They Are Called by God
Before anyone saw them, God saw them. Before anyone affirmed them, God appointed them. Many spiritual leaders wrestled with the call before they embraced it. Some tried to run. Some felt unqualified. Some questioned their worthiness. But when God calls, He also equips.
“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Romans 11:29 (KJV)
Their assignment is not a hobby. It is not a performance. It is a mantle. And with that mantle comes accountability. Every word they preach, every soul they counsel, every decision they make—they will answer to God.
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account…” Hebrews 13:17 (KJV)
Notice the phrase: they watch for your souls. That is not a light responsibility. That is eternal work.
Integrity in How We Treat Them
Integrity means our public support matches our private speech. It means we do not smile in their face and criticize them behind closed doors. It means we refuse to participate in gossip, slander, or careless accusations.
Spiritual leaders are human. They grow. They learn. They make mistakes. But integrity requires that we address concerns biblically and respectfully—not through social media posts, whispered conversations, or divisive attitudes.
If we desire integrity in leadership, we must demonstrate integrity in followership.
Give Honor Where Honor Is Due
Honor is expressed in attitude, language, generosity, and prayer.
“Render therefore to all their dues… honour to whom honour.” Romans 13:7 (KJV)
When a leader labors faithfully, teaches sound doctrine, shepherds with care, and walks uprightly, honor is due. That honor may look like encouragement. It may look like financial support. It may look like defending their reputation. It may look like gratitude instead of entitlement.
We must not consume their leadership while withholding appreciation.
Pray for Them
Spiritual leaders are targets.
The higher the calling, the greater the opposition. The enemy understands that if he strikes the shepherd, the sheep scatter.
Prayer is not optional. It is essential.
Pray for their strength.
Pray for their families.
Pray for their mental health.
Pray for their purity.
Pray for wisdom in decisions.
Pray for discernment in counsel.
Pray that they finish well.
Many believers critique more than they intercede. But prayer builds what criticism tears down.
When we cover our leaders in prayer, we participate in their success.
Remember: They Will Answer to God
This is perhaps the most sobering reality. Spiritual leaders will stand before God and give an account for how they led. That is a weight most people do not fully comprehend.
They will answer for doctrine.
They will answer for stewardship.
They will answer for how they handled souls.
Understanding this should change our posture. It should move us from harsh judgment to compassionate support.
From entitlement to gratitude.
From suspicion to intercession.
They do not belong to us. They belong to God.
And just as they will answer to Him for how they lead, we will answer to Him for how we treated those He sent to lead us.
A Call to Reflect
Have we been quick to criticize and slow to pray?
Have we demanded access without honoring boundaries?
Have we expected perfection without extending grace?
It is time to restore respect—not idol worship, but biblical honor. Not blind allegiance, but respectful support. Not silence in the face of wrongdoing, but righteous, ordered response grounded in Scripture.
Healthy leadership flourishes in healthy environments. And healthy environments are built by people who understand order, honor, and accountability before God.
When we treat our spiritual leaders with integrity, respect, and prayerful support, we align ourselves with Kingdom order.
And when Kingdom order is established, God entrusts more.
Let us be people who value the gift of leadership. Let us be people who guard the mantle on those who carry it. Let us be people who honor what God has ordained.
Because how we treat God’s servants reflects how we honor God Himself.
Selah Moment with Dr. Althea Winifred.
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