A Christian leader told of a group of laymen who came to see him one day for some advice. They wanted to know of a diplomatic way to get rid of their pastor. The man, sensing that they were not being fair, gave them some suggestions:

1. Look your pastor straight in the eye while he is preaching and say amen once in a while. He'll preach himself to death.
2. Pat him on the back and tell him his good points. Before you know it, he'll work himself to death.
3. Rededicate your own life to Christ and ask your minister for a job to do. He'll die of heart failure.
4. Get the church to unite in prayer for him. Soon he'll become so effective that a larger church will take him off your hands.

If your pastor faithfully preaches God's Word and tries to live an exemplary life, do all you can to support and encourage him. Of course, no pastor is perfect, and sometimes a careful rebuke may be needed (1 Tim. 5:20). But a pastor carries a big responsibility (Heb. 13:17), and a faithful man of God is worthy of loving respect and generous financial support (1 Tim. 3:1; 5:17-18).

By the way, when did you last say to your pastor, "I'm grateful for you and all you've done for me"?  — Richard De Haan