1 Timothy 5:17. "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor; especially those who labor in preaching and teaching."

In these difficult, confusing times, it is so easy to focus on the leaders who are going astray, and taking many others with them. Because they are our leaders, they are worthy of the honor of their position, but it is easy to become discouraged with them, and tempting to be critical of them. How much better to focus on the many elders we have who are leading us rightly?! They are "ruling well" and deserve double honor in these times that are not amenable to living in the truth, especially if those living there are leaders who are preaching and teaching truth to others. I can think of several Church elders right off the bat who I would put in the category of those who are ruling well: Bishop Robert Barron, Father Mike Schmitz, Archbishop Emeritus Charles Chaput, and Cardinal Raymond Burke come to mind. There are also many wonderful priests in our local parishes providing the faithful with truthful, loving teachings that keep us on the right path.

So today I will be grateful for these elders, and will give them double honor in my prayers of gratitude!