The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching & teaching. For the Scripture says: Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain, & the worker deserves his wages. (1 Timothy 5:17-18). Faithful church leaders should be supported & appreciated. Preaching & teaching are closely related. Preaching is proclaiming the Word of God & confronting listeners with the truth of Scripture. Teaching is explaining the truth in Scripture, helping people understand difficult passages, & helping them apply God's Word to daily life. Paul says that these elders are worthy of double honor. Unfortunately, however,  we often take them for granted by not providing adequately for their needs or by subjecting them to heavy criticism. How do you treat your church leaders? Do you enjoy finding fault or do you show your appreciation? Do they receive enough financial support to allow them to live without worry & to provide for the needs of their families? Do not give me an answer. Where you have failed, repent, & start to do the right thing. Many of us are in breach of the Word of God on this matter, both rich or poor. However, do not condemn yourself. Jesus loves you. I love you as well. I declare: The Lord has forgiven you. I urge you to think of how you can honor your preachers & teachers beginning today. Thank you Jesus. Good morning Holy Spirit. Prayer: Father, we have sinned. We have neglected the elders who are doing a good work for You by preaching & teaching the Word. Their lives are associated with lack as a result of this neglect. Today, we realize that it is sin. We cannot expect to make it to Heaven when we are living in this manner. Some families of the elders no longer appreciate You because of the poverty they are experiencing.  They now see God as unjust, as one who makes them suffer. Lord Jesus, we have failed you. Deliver us from this situation. Help us to correct our mistakes with the help of the Holy Spirit & do a paradigm shift. Bless the ministers, their families & ministries. Richly bless them. Provide for them.  In Jesus mighty name we pray & believe, Amen. Grace & peace be with you.