This past Sunday at our Campfire Fellowship, I shared with the various ages (kids through adults) about the important, but almost forgotten, principle of “Honor”.
What does it mean to honor someone? Honor means to value someone highly. It carries the picture of lifting someone up in value and respect.
In regards to people, God provides no qualifier when it comes to honor. He does not tell us to honor them only if they are honorable or only if we are happy with them or agree with them. For example: Parents are to be honored simply because of their position—because they are our parents—therefore we must honor them by treating them with respect.
Who should we honor?
We are to honor God first. "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, NIV)
We are to honor our parents. The fifth commandment 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)
Honor those in authority. "... give respect and honor to those who are in authority." (Romans 13:7, NLT) "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." (1 Timothy 5:17, NIV)
Those who are aged (older). "You shall rise up before the gray headed and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the Lord." (Leviticus 19:32, NASB)
How would our homes, schools, community and church be different if we truly honored God first by lifting Him up as of greatest value in our hearts, minds and actions? Not only that, but how would our homes, schools, community and church be different if we lived out that honor for God by also honoring our parents, those in authority and those who are older? I honestly think we would be shocked at the difference.
Let’s all seek the Lord for how we can grow in honor. Let’s seek the Lord in how we can be better stewards of the relationships we have been given.