And Be at Peace
“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12 – 13)
While Paul’s words indicate that elders are leaders (“and are over you in the Lord”), they also suggest that those of our brethren who “labor among us and admonish us” have a positive influence on our spiritual prosperity. These can be teachers, preachers, or brethren whose encouragement is invaluable to edification. Of these valued brethren, Paul insists we “esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.” Compliments are helpful, but notice “esteem” means much more than a statement of “nice job.” It means “consider with great appreciation,” i.e., “to respect their example of word and deed as they exemplify the life of Jesus Christ.” (Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:1-17).
Now notice the rest of the passage: “And be at peace among yourselves.” This peace which passes understanding (Phil. 4:7) comes when leadership, most certainly that of godly elders who have the rule over us (Hebrews 13:7;17;24), finds complete acceptance. It also includes those who admonish us. It’s called “obedience.” Those who labor among us by proclaiming in word and deed the truth of God’s word are obeying the Captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10). They respect the ultimate leader, as all faithful ones respect Him. As the apostle Paul said, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)
While many gauge the strength of the local church of Christ by its numbers, numbers are not spiritual; they are temporal. We note real strength within the Lord’s church by its spiritual fitness. Peace is one of the greatest notables of this spiritual strength. When brethren are at peace, they are compliant with the Lord’s commandments. It is more frequently called “unity.” (Ephesians 4:1-3) When brethren agree with Christ, they agree with each other, because they are of one mind, one speech, one judgment. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
I muse on the wonderful bond this peace grants for the faithful children of God. Because of our bond to Christ Jesus receives priority (Colossians 1:18), we are bound to each other in His love, and by our obedience to Him, that loving bond permeates our souls with peace. That, dear brethren, is a life of righteousness that leads to an eternity of peace with Him in heaven!