Don’t Forget

Deuteronomy 12:19
“Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.”

The Levite was a worker in the temple of God, and their whole life was about making sure that the temple of God was cared for as God had commanded them to do. God wanted to remind Moses that His people must be careful that they don’t take for granted these people who work hard to help them to have a place where they can worship the LORD and that they should be sure to care for their needs. God gave specific instructions in the Scriptures as to how the people should care for the Levites. God didn’t want them to forget these instructions when they began to claim their inheritance in the land of Canaan.

These instructions should be adhered to today, but they can be applied in a very different, but very similar way. Just like the Levites cared for the temple, there are many people involved in the church who help the church to carry on its daily tasks so that God’s people have a place to hear the preaching of the Word of God. It is important that we don’t take for granted these people who work hard at caring for the church. Let me discuss with you some groups that I believe should be remembered for what they do for the LORD.

First, don’t forget to take care of your pastor. Be sure that your pastor is financially cared for with a sufficient salary that will meet his needs. The church should do everything in its power to be sure that the pastor can give his full attention to the ministry without having to work an outside job to supplement his needs.

Second, don’t forget the pastoral staff. There are many people who work on a church staff who are forgotten because they don’t hold a visible position. It is natural to be sure that the church cares for the pastor with special gifts and a good salary, and that is right, but don’t forget those who help the daily ministration of the church to go forward. The church should be careful to make sure they are financially cared for, and I also believe it would be good to give them gifts of appreciation every once in awhile. Certainly, the pastor deserves these types of gifts, but so do those who serve alongside him. There are many good staff members who work just as hard as the pastor does with his duties.

Third, don’t forget the volunteer workers. Every great church has a host of people who serve in the background without a gift or notice of thanks. This is sad! The only time these people are often noticed is when people gripe about what they are supposedly not doing. This is wrong! These volunteers should be honored as much as those who serve on full-time staff. It would be wise to remember these people by writing them a note or giving a special gift of thanks for what they do. Anyone who would be against honoring these volunteers needs to have their heart checked because God is very careful to be sure that the workers are cared for properly.

Fourth, don’t forget to care for the unknown office. I know this sound self-serving, but the evangelist is a gift to the church just like the pastor. Let me encourage you not to forget to care for those evangelists who come into your church. Most evangelists live a life of faith, and they are often forgotten once they leave the church. It would be good if you remember them during the holiday season and their special days as you would your pastor. These men are as much a gift to the church as the pastor is; don’t forget them.

Author: Allen Domelle