¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you^[a] in the Lord and admonish you, (1 Thessalonians 5:12 CSB)

I have worked in many different environments. Everything from basic manual labor jobs all the way to white collar office jobs. These both in secular and ministerial settings.

There is one thing that connects all of these work environments; people.

The “stuff” we jointly get done changes from place to place but the people are constant. I strive to treat everyone well and everyone equal. I want to give recognition to their efforts and the criticality of their role. This from the lowest position to the highest. Regardless of title or pay we are all equal in the eyes of God and as such should be counted as brother or sister.

I think this holds especially true for those who lead. Many may think that their title and position should be recognition enough. But leaders have difficult jobs. Each comes with many nuisances that must be navigated every moment of every day. So too should our educators be recognized, and those who are in thankless service roles. Even our governmental leaders regardless of our political leanings. Each was put in their place based upon God’s plan.

Each of us has a part to play in this thing we call life. And each of us have a role to play in God’s Kingdom. Here too we must recognize the gifts God has given us to build a vocation. I separate the concept of vocation from occupation to keep firmly planted in my mind that, here too, I have a job to do. A commission to fulfill.

Recognizing our place and the critical role others play helps us to appreciate each for their unique talents. Only when we recognize this can we hope to appreciate each for how special they are in God’s eyes.