Much of our society is disintegrating simply because of a
lack of honor. Our culture was built on respect and honor. When we honor
people, we add value to them. In a culture of honor, people are empowered to
high thinking and living.
Everybody wants to be on the receiving end of honor but
few people want to initiate it. I’ve learnt that you’ll never have what you’re
not willing to give. Great men and women are those who are secure in
themselves. They can recognize the greatness in others. Our own peace and
prosperity are directly tied to the honor we give to others.
Recently, a friend of mine joined me on a mission trip to
China. One of his sons has lived a very colorful life and he’s finally coming
around to serving the Lord. Just before we left for China, his son came to him
and handed him $350 and told him that he wanted to honor his labor for the Lord.
This young man works for a multinational corporation and they were laying
people off left and right. His own job was on the line. He asked his Dad to
pray that he would not lose his job. My friend prayed for his son and reminded
him that a thousand may fall at his side
but it shall not come near him (Psalm 91:7). Miraculously, the son survived
the final cut. Today, he has a permanent job. He gets almost a whole month of
paid holiday leave. He has full insurance benefits for his family. And he even
has a 401K started in his name. You may think this is no big deal but you have
to understand; this young man has never had a job this good. I believe that all
of this happened for the young man because he
honored his Dad by sending him off to serve God in China.
The Scripture says, “Honor
your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD
your God is giving you”
(Exodus 20:12 NIV). In fact, it is one of ten commandments God gave us. When
we honor people, we are honoring God.
One of the first places we should practice honor is in
our own homes. Often we’re slowest in honoring those who sacrifice the most for
us. One definition of honor is to respect that which is given to someone who is
admired. Husbands and wives can show honor to each other by doing what their
spouse prefers. Husbands, honor your wives (I Peter 3:7). Wives, as long as you
hold back in honoring your husbands with your words and deeds, he will never
reach his full potential. Don’t be stingy in expressing honor. Let us set an
example for our children and allow them to learn from us. You don’t have to
agree with everybody but honor your parents, in-laws, outlaws, and those
relatives who don’t think and speak well of you. No dishonorable situation is
made better by dishing dishonor. Why don’t you become the agent of change and establish
a culture of honor in your home? You’ll be surprised at how fast it catches on.
We should honor people in the marketplace. Honor your
neighbors by turning down the volume of your party. In church, honor the usher and
sit where he tells you. Give honor to the clerk at the store by being
courteous. Prefer the other person. When we give heed to people in authority with
a good attitude, we’re sowing honor. I’ve found that the amount of God’s favor
in my life is directly linked to the honor I bestow on others. Let’s give honor
because it glorifies God.
In the Bible, King Saul tried to kill David in spite of
his loyalty to the king. On multiple occasions, David had the opportunity to
hurt Saul but he understood the principle of honor. Could it be that David rose
to the throne because he knew how to honor those in authority? Today we live in
a culture where we’re quick to criticize anyone, from the President down to our
own family members. Is this an area where God is prompting you to come up
higher? Instead of criticizing, let us pray for them. Let us honor the people
we love. Honor people by telling them what a great job they’re doing. None of
us got here on our own. Let us honor our parents by calling them regularly and visiting
them whenever possible. When we cultivate a culture of honor, we will raise the
bar for all, God’s blessings will pursue us, and
we’ll live long on earth. Friend,
you are loved, celebrated, and honored. Remember, God's favor will be upon your
life to the degree you honor others. I honor you!
“Give honor to whom honor is
due.” (Romans
13:7).
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