1 Thessalonians 5:13
...and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.

As Paul concludes his letter to the believers in Thessalonia, he discusses the respect that should be given to those who are minister of the Gospel among them. These ministers are to be respected, not primarily because of who they are, but because of the position God has called them to. It is assigned to those under the care of such men "to esteem them very highly in love" and so be a source of encouragement and support to them.

The caution is to never elevate a person in such a position to a pedestal. There must be no idols in our lives, not even men who serve the Lord. No matter how influential God allows one of His servants to be, we must take care to never confuse the power of the Spirit at work in and through them with some human skill or invention.

So often, the ways in which we would choose to honor such men -- giving them full credit for growing congregations; raising statues in their likenesses; dedicating buildings in their names -- are the very ways in which we do them a dishonor. The ideas may be well-intentioned ones, but they are misguided. God alone deserves the glory and praise; it is He who reigns, He who creates, and He who saves. No man can ever truthfully make such claims. 

Let us esteem these men who serve God, not by seeking to give them any honor that is rightfully God's, but by constant support and encouragement. We can -- and should -- recognize those God has called to these positions, and to treat them with the respect He demands. However, may we never allow any human being, no matter how admirable, receive any of the glory that is God and God's alone.