recognizing the hard working

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

Paul is concerned about three things: 1) that those who work hard in the local church are not being properly recognized and encouraged; 2) that those who are stumbling and weak in their faith are not being properly helped and 3) that people are taking revenge for wrongs done against them (which is looking out for one's own selfish interests rather than looking out for the good of others). Judging from the amount of time that he spends on each, he is most concerned about the proper recognition of the hard working members of the local church.
Paul lays out a description for those whom the church is to acknowledge: they work hard, they care for the members of the church in the Lord and they admonish the members of the church. He also lays out a description of those whom the church is supposed to help (along with a specific imperative on how to help them): warn the idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with all.
From this passage, I see that God values hard work. From the very beginning of creation, humans were to work in as well as enjoy the garden. Work has been part of our mandate for all of history. From the parables of Jesus we see that faithfulness to God is equated with work: the servants are rewarded for being good and faithful as evidenced by how they put the money to work that they were entrusted with. Until that day when the hard workers will receive their "well done" from Christ, the Church must encourage and recognize them here on earth. I don't think this always means public commendation but we must find ways to acknowledge and encourage the hard working. If God values them, so must we.
I also see that God has a special concern for the weak and immature. He doesn't just abandon people because they don't measure up but warns, encourages and helps them. This reminds me that God is patient. He is patient with me and he wants me to be patient with others. This is where I need God's help. There are definitely times when I get impatient. God, help me to see the work that you are doing and to celebrate the steps, however miniscule, that people are taking towards Christ-likeness. Remind me of your patience with me!