The Apostle Paul admonishes all God’s saints to know their pastors, those who labor for their souls, those men the Lord has placed over them as overseers and “to esteem them very highly in love.” That man who faithfully preaches the gospel of God’s free and sovereign grace in Christ, laboring for your soul’s eternal good and the glory of Christ, is to be held in highest esteem. Esteem him in your heart ―love him. Esteem him in your mind ―think highly of him. Esteem him in your conduct ―treat him with respect. Esteem him in your speech ―speak well of him, speak honorably of him. This applies specifically to local churches and their pastors. It also applies specifically to all God’s saints (including other gospel preachers) and all God’s servants (pastors, missionaries, evangelists, etc.). Let us never speak a word that casts doubt or suspicion upon one of God’s servants ―publicly or privately. Why? ― “For their work’s sake.” How many children have been led to despise the preaching of the gospel because their parents spoke ill of God’s servants before them! How often men and women have been led to think ill of faithful men because they over heard other preachers expressing doubt or suspicion concerning them! How shameful!