“Over is really under.” Here is a wonderful truth from the scriptures:
1 Thessalonians 5:12,13:
And we beseech you, BRETHREN, to KNOW THEM WHICH LABOUR among you, and are over [proistēmi] 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.
The word translated “are over” in Greek is proistēmi. It doesn’t mean to rule over or take control over. Instead, it literally means to “stand forth.” It means to “set an example.” We are to know those men and women who work in the body of Christ to build it up, to set an example, and to admonish [warn] others about the adversary’s devices and to encourage them to trust the Father for deliverance.
The word proistēmi is used 7 other times in the New Testament, and they all deal with serving others and leading by example. Titus was a leader in the early church, and Paul encouraged him about setting a good example.
Titus 3:8,14:
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful TO MAINTAIN good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
And let ours also learn TO MAINTAIN good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
Those of us who have “believed God” should make it our concern to set an example of good works. This will bring profit to our lives and to those who follow our godly example.
Romans 12:8:
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he THAT RULETH, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Those who set an example for others should be diligent. The Greek word for “diligence” means to give our utmost effort in the time that we have available. It is like putting your all into finishing a project before it is due. Our project and assignment each day is to follow our Lord Jesus Christ and show others how to walk in his steps.
1 Timothy 3:4,5,12:
One [who watches over the church] THAT RULETH well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
(For if a man know not how TO RULE his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, RULING their children and their own houses well.
These 3 uses of proistēmi talk about leaders in the church. A person who is to “look and watch over” the church is to set an example for his wife and children. He isn’t the “boss,” who yells and gets his way. Rather, he is a servant who stands forth with a godly example to follow. The same is true for those who “run to serve” [“deacons” in verse 12]. They set a good example in their loving and heartfelt service to others.
1 Timothy 5:17:
Let the elders THAT RULE well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
This use of proistēmi refers to “elders.” They are not only those who are wise from their years on earth, but may be younger people who have learned to be Christlike at an early age. These leaders should be given respect and support by those that they serve. Especially those who teach the scriptures and how to live them.
So why did I say that “Over is really under”? Because leadership is not telling others what to do, but SHOWING THEM HOW TO DO IT. Jesus taught this to his disciples.
Mark 10:43,44:
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be SERVANT OF ALL.
Jesus compared God’s way of leading with the way that the “world” thinks of leaders. A true leader doesn’t push others around and exercise their so-called “authority” over people. Rather that get “under” those who need their help and support those that they care for.
Matthew 20:25-27:
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles EXERCISE DOMINION OVER them, and they that are great EXERCISE AUTHORITY UPON them.
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.
I have seen many examples of this kind of true service in my time on earth. My dad was a servant who daily gave his all to support our family. My mom, at nearly 100 years of age, still takes care of the emotional needs of my brothers and sisters and me. Serving as a minister these 50 years, I’ve seen many friends who have served and continue to set a godly example in this way.
Of course, Jesus set the greatest example of the Father’s heart for true leadership and service.
Matthew 11:28-30:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am MEEK AND LOWLY IN HEART: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
When we “yoke” ourselves to the Master, our Lord Jesus Christ, we will have a good, easy, and light burden to carry. Let’s take care of those under our care, by getting “under” them and supporting them with our loving example of service.
Amen. I love you.
