DAY 49:

“Don’t Take for Granted Who God Granted You with!

“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).

My friends, I urge you to not take these scriptures lightly. Many read this and stop at “among” you, and miss the part that says “over” you. Every word, comma, question mark, exclamation mark, etc. in the Bible is IMPORTANT. Sadly, in the 21st Century church, whenever there is a distinction in rank in the Bible, they have blended the distinction to appease people’s feelings and lack of pursuit to go deeper with God and really know Him and His heart and will for the harvest of souls.

To be “among” denotes being in a fixed position, altogether among, according to Strong’s definition. 

Strong’s defines “over” as: to stand before that is (in rank) to preside or (by implication) to practice: – maintain be over rule.

Thayer’s defines “over” as: to set or place before    

 •    to set over     

•    to be over, to superintend, preside over     

•    to be a protector or guardian – to give aid     

•    to care for, give attention to – profess honest occupations

It is time to stop trying to put everyone on the same level and rank, there is a difference. Too many people want to be “among,” but also desire to be “esteemed very highly,” even though they do not have the heart or character to protect, guard, give aid, care for, and most importantly, be accountable to God in these areas.  

To “know” does not simply mean to be acquainted with.. According to Strong’s, to know, is to properly see (literally or figuratively) to be aware, behold, consider, perceive, be sure, understand, wist wot.

Thayer’s defines “know” as: to see and to know.

1. to see     

•    to perceive with the eyes    

 •    to perceive by any of the senses     

•    to perceive, notice, discern, discover     

•    to turn the eyes, the mind, the attention to anything     

•    to pay attention, observe     

•    to inspect, examine     

•    to look at, behold

2. to know     

•    to know, to get knowledge of, understand, perceive    

 •    to have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to

Cultivate peace and live peaceably with those among and over you. These instructions are not suggestions, they’re for the preservation of our souls. To be ready for Christ’s return, and found worthy of Heaven, there must be an awakening in the Church to the heart and character of God and what He requires. Religion and traditions of men have manipulated and sugar coated the depths, knowledge, and understanding of what true salvation is. 

I am praying that you will not be so consumed with competing and comparing yourself and others, to those who are over you, and you will start knowing and highly esteeming them, by the standard of God’s Spirit and Love, as He desires..!!” ~David E. Taylor~