Think -- A Thought for Non-Thinkers

The final chapter of John Piper's book Think is a final plea to encourage both thinkers and non-thinkers. Here's one of his encouragements to non-thinkers. It may seem a bit self-serving given my calling in the church, but I think it's valuable to consider nevertheless:

Respect those who by inclination and calling devote time and effort to thinking for the sake of understanding the Bible and the world we live in. Christ has given pastors and teachers to the church (Eph. 4:11). Their job is to "labor at preaching and teaching" (1 Tim. 5:17), "rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15), "able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it" (Titus 1:9). That is not all they do. But this part of their life is difficult, important, and precious. Respect them for their work. As Paul says, "Respect those who labor among you...esteem them very highly in love because of their work" (1 Thess. 5:12-13).