They are those whom God has anointed, ordained and appointed to be His mouthpiece in His kingdom. Our failure to respect and honor them is failure to respect and honor God! 
Regardless of how anointed we are, we are not on the same level as our leaders!!!!!!!
Too many folks think they can say and do whatever they want to God’s anointed leaders and get away with it. The truth is, God is watching and we will not get away with it. Dishonoring the leaders that we have to go to for prayer and guidance is a foolish game to play. We will loose!
Regardless of what we think of God’s anointed, we must watch our words and deeds concerning them. God takes care of His own and will avenge every ill-spoken word and treacherous deed against His anointed. We must watch even our thoughts because, they will form actions. 1 Chronicles 16: Touch not my anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
Disrespect, disregard and dishonor your leaders at your own risk! 
Agape!