We Often Fail to Honor But We Want Honor

We get upset if we don’t receive the honor we are due. Take for example, when a server ignores us at a restaurant. We take that as disrespectful, especially if it is clear that there is no reason for the neglect. If we are a supervisor or manager, a failure to follow our instructions or take care of a project we assigned is viewed as disrespectful. We aren’t being honored for our role.

In the Bible, honor refers to the esteem and respect given to God and to image bearers of God. Honor can  be based on someone’s position (Your Honor – a judge; “the honorable”), their character and authority. The Bible talks about honor in at least three ways: towards God, parents, and those in leadership roles. There is an emphasis on both an internal attitude of respect and actions that demonstrate that respect, such as the obedience of a child when their mother gives them a command.

Honor Appears as Glorification

“Glory is a quality inherent in the one being glorified. Glory can be thought of as a mirror that accurately reflects what is there. When we accurately reflect the character of God, we glorify Him. To glorify God is to honor Him for who He really is. God has glory because He is infinitely valuable. Human beings have glory because we are created in the image of the One who is all-glorious (Genesis 1:27). We glorify God when we demonstrate through word or action His glorious character or deeds. Modeling the character of Jesus is a way to glorify God, because we are showcasing His attributes. When we glorify God, we bring Him honor.” Got Questions

Three Ways to Dishonor God

“Everything I have is mine.” God has a different view. Everything you have is his and you are the manager or steward of what he has provided. God takes a very dim view of our wrongful view of our possessions and wealth. In fact, a right view and response often leads to blessings.

“You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 3:9-11

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

The second problem regarding honor has to do with pastors. God makes it very clear in the passage above from Malachi, and in Paul’s letter to Timothy, that he cares about and wants double honor shown to the shepherds in his church. “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” 1 Timothy 5:17

Far too many churches underpay their pastors to “keep them humble.” Obviously different churches have different resources, but they all have a “double honor” responsibility.

The third problem is tied to the first problem. When we start to think “Everything I have is mine,” we forget to be thankful for what has temporarily been put into our care.

“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:21

How to Identify a Follower of Jesus

True followers are humble. When they are, then they regard others highly, love them, and show them honor. Paul said it this way: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10

Five Minute Friday

This post is part of the weekly Five-Minute Friday link-up.All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.