The Bible directs us through God to ‘render respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due.’ But let us discover what that means.
Today in the world people honor anything but the very one they should honor which is God. They give honor to thieves, rapists, murderers, perverts, traffickers, race haters, thugs, music people, Hollywood crazies, politicians who are frauds, liars, and cheats, social media whack jobs, and people in other countries that want to destroy us, our country, and our way of life.
Instead of honoring God and whom God says to honor we, as a society, are honoring everyone we should not be honoring and somehow the crazies expect us to do the same.
Isn’t it weird how we, as a nation/society, think we should honor and respect those that are trying to destroy us? After all, they are doing everything to make us compromise our values and integrity and do as they do instead of doing as God says to do. There are some of the meanest, nastiest, vile people out there that are demanding we do wrong so they can have power over us. They are constantly bringing race into issues and saying we must be racist if or when we don’t agree with their lies and deceptions. However, isn’t it weird how these crazy people want us to respect and honor them? They do nothing to earn our respect, but they want to demand we give it to them. It used to be that we gave respect to honorable people living a right life, now they want us to give honor and respect to all the cooks out there and they try to shame us if we don’t. Yet, these same people don’t honor God and who and what He says to honor.
As a Christian, I choose to honor my Lord and Savior, and then honor and respect as His directions give me to do.
Who should we actually be honoring? Then ask yourself by whose opinion? In today’s society, respect and honor sure seems nonexistent. But what about honor in our everyday lives? Spend some time in a crowd, at the grocery store, watching television, or on social media, and it doesn’t take long to figure out that many people in our society fail to show honor to anyone that they should be honoring. Why is that? It boils down to the fact that no one has taught them how.
I have found that even though I am getting mighty old now, I am glad in some respects that I am. Why? Because I was born and raised in a time when respect, honor, integrity, and morals meant something. I saw the world much different than the kids of today. My time growing up, even with the many problems in my life and in my day…I’ll still take that over what I see today.
As Christians, we ought to be the world’s greatest example of high integrity and the most honorable men and women on the face of God’s earth. People should see Jesus in us by the way we live. If they can’t then are we really living as God tells us to live?
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What is honor? “a keen sense of ethical conduct.” As you look out in our society is that what you see today? I don’t see much of that at all. People should keep their word and if they don’t…and it is an ongoing thing are they honorable? Not so much!
People, it is time we get back to God and honoring Him and making Him number one in our life. We are to follow His word and examples. If not…are we really honoring Him? No!
Honor God: “Those who honor me I will honor.” –1 Samuel 2:30 (NIV) Did you get that? We honor God because He says to honor Him. God expects us to honor Him. Revelation 5:12 says He is “worthy…to receive…honor and glory and praise” (NIV).
Without complete and genuine honor to God, it will be impossible to honor anyone else. So this is where it starts. How do we honor God? Well, for one think it is not just saying God exists. Who is God to you personally? Do you actually do as God says? It is not going to church but it is a relationship with Him. Oh, you might look good to people who think you are honorable…but since God is in charge…would He think you were honoring Him and that you were an honorable person?xx
You honor God with your finances. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first fruits all your increase” (NKJV). How we spend our money tells God what we value. Do we spend it wisely or unwisely?
How we talk, what we watch, what we listen to, where we go, who we hang out with…does it show respect and honor for God. I am not going to list all the things here that dishonor God because in your soul you know what you should and shouldn’t say, do, think hang out with, and so on. You know right from wrong and if you are living in the sin/s then you need to stop and get your life right with God.
How do you act day by day? Do you give God the honor that you should? If not…why not?
The more you ponder on God’s Word, the easier it will be for you to honor Him in all things because you have repeatedly placed His way of thinking in your heart.
“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) That might seem easy to a lot of people, but for others not so much. Not everyone has a great relationship with their parent for any number of reasons. Are all parents deserving of honor? No. Does God still command it? Yes. Don’t speak ill of them. It is time to forgive them. And no, I do not know your circumstances but God does. When we forgive someone it frees us from the power they had over us. (I see another lesson in this)
If you have a relationship with your parents, you can honor them by respecting their age and life experiences. Don’t mock them or their abilities. Revere and respect them for who they are and what they’ve done for you. Speak with the utmost respect to them at all times. Be available to help them with any needs they may have. However, in this day and age we don’t really see a lot of this for parents or grandparents. Everyone seems to busy with their own life that they don’t want to make time for them. Also, your parents and grandparents grew up in a different time and it might have seemed easier but there was still a lot of garbage going on in life, yet they didn’t have all these social media, fake news and so on. They had a phone…not a smart phone, and if they were out they had to have change, find a phone booth to make a call. They went to the library to do their school work…no google…they actually had to go and read and write down what they were doing. They had chores, they didn’t talk back to parents, and they were thankful for what they did have. Not so much today. Parents then and now sure are/were not perfect. I know I wasn’t. I wished I would have been better, done better, and all that, but I did a lot of dumb things and said a lot of dumb things and those can never be taken back. Not for me…and not for you. Our past is past and all we can do now is get right with God and try to live like God wants us to live. We only get one set of parents and some were/are good, and others not so much. We all make mistakes in life even when we try not to. Why? Life happens, circumstances change, and life can be really difficult. When you choose to honor your parents, God says it will go well with you, and you will live long on the earth! That, however, doesn’t mean that you won’t have problems on this earth, but God will walk our life with us.
Honor Your Spouse: “Husbands…[give] honor to the wife.” –1 Peter 3:7 (NKJV) “Let the wife see that she respects her husband.”—Ephesians 5:33 (ESV) How do we do that? We don’t go around criticizing them. We don’t call them names and put them down. We don’t go around discouraging them and letting them think they are nothing. We love them and build them up and not tear them down. We don’t own each other. We both have feelings, needs, wants and desires in our life. We should be each others’ biggest fans in life. Be considerate of one’s feelings even in those times you have a difference of opinion. Just a thought here…marriage here on earth is an example because we are to be the bride of Christ. We are to learn something while here on earth regarding marriage don’t ya think?
The elderly/or just those older. “You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged.” –Leviticus 19:32 (NASB). I sure don’t see much of this kind of honor in this day and age. It is like the younger generation just doesn’t care about the elderly and somehow consider them less they are. How sad. The elderly can be great teachers for the young because they have been through things these kids know nothing about. The young, for the most part, just don’t show any respect or honor for the elderly. They somehow think that they, themselves, are more important, know more, and just don’t need these old people for anything.
One such area is in that which the Bible has commanded—honoring those who are older than we are. This is a critical area of obedience for every age. There is always someone older than you are—they deserve the honor. What does it look like to honor those who are older? Be patient on the road. Make friendly conversation in public. Help them load groceries into their car (Well, in this day and age and with all the crime…most likely they just won’t trust you in this one). If an elderly person lives by you…can you do anything to help them? Errands? Fix a meal? Maybe even just be kind and even say hi to them and smile. Actually when they are talking how about just listening to what they say instead of planning an escape away from them. Just care!!!
Wherever you work…do your job and honor your bosses. You are there to work not to put them down, not to be lazy, but to actually do the work for which you were hired to do. “Servants, be submissive to your masters…not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.” –1 Peter 2:18 (NKJV) In 1 Peter 2:18, God is commanding us to give due respect and honor to our masters—or our employers. What is the purpose of honor—to stand out as God’s children among those in the world. There are plenty of people who show dishonor to employers, but we shine His light when we honor and submit to those in authority over us. Notice that we are to give reverence and honor not only to the good bosses and gentle masters but also to the harsh, unfair and unpleasant. If you treat with honor a dishonorable boss or superior, you will find favor with God. Of course, you don’t have to stay working there unless God tells you to, but as long as you work there, do your job and do it as if doing it for the Lord. (I have had good bosses and some really horrible ones in my life, and when they are difficult to deal with you probably don’t want to go to work and give them honor…but do it anyways until God changes them or He himself says to you to change jobs…and think on this…you being a Christian can be an example to and for them. Maybe they will one day see that you came to work and did your job even though they might have been a real jerk)
We are to honor those over us in church as well. “Honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work.” –1 Thessalonians 5:12. This is an area that needs serious work and correction in the lives of many believers. It is never acceptable to criticize, gossip or make cutting remarks about a pastor, minister or church leader, as these acts are in direct disobedience to the Word of God. The scripture above continues through verse 13: “[They] work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because they are straining to help you” (TLB). However………….and this is a big however…if they are not teaching the truth of God’s word and if they think they are better than you are and want you to treat them on a pedestal…then you need to leave that church. They are to train in you in the truth of God’s word not add to it, not take away from it, not compromise it etc., and if they are doing that then you should not be there. If they are true pastors and teachers of the word of God…then you best be treating them with honor and respect.
Honor Government Officials. Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not that one you are probably saying right now for we know just how corrupt our government is. “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God.” –Romans 13:1-2 (NKJV) Romans 13:1-2 is not a suggestion—it is a command. First Peter 2:17 confirms that we are to “show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (NIV). No, no, no….you might be saying. What about ungodly authority? Think of David and Saul. David’s path to becoming king hinged on one thing—honor. And he lived up to the test. David refused to dishonor Saul, even when Saul was after his life. David chose to honor the position over the person because He knew that by doing so, he was showing honor to God. This is a really hard one to do for most of us when we see the state of our country and this administration who is doing all it can to destroy our great country. God does not hold us blameless for dishonoring those in authority. In fact, he declares there will be a punishment for “those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority” (2 Peter 2:9-10, NIV). But now…know this we can honor them to honor God, and not go along with their evil ways. We can fight fairly even though they don’t. We can vote people out of office (but would be easier if we had fair and honest elections) Use your vote to talk back as well. You can also write respectful correspondence to voice your opinions or concerns, but if you want to see blessing and prosperity in your life, don’t block it by dishonoring those in authority. Instead, obey 1 Timothy 2:1-2 and pray for them, that we may have peace in our land. We do not ever have to go along with immorality, racism, hatred, fraud, treasonous ways, and so on, but we can still be respectful and do it so that what we do and say will honor our God. Touch huh? When we see so much evil out there but know this…God knows exactly what is going on in this world, God has a plan and it is coming soon, and God can use even the worst of people to accomplish His purpose for our life, for our family, for our country, and for our eternity. Do right but don’t dishonor God in this.
We need to be honoring our police and our military at all times. They both have been so disrespected and hated and for what? They get up each day, go to work, and do what they can to protect us. Yes, there are a few bad apples…but 99.9% of them are wonderful people just doing their job and they want to go home to their families safe! “Give respect and honor to those who are in authority.” –Romans 13:7. The recent lack of respect and honor for our police and military has been nothing less than disgraceful. In fact, it has been down-right evil. Yes, a small percentage of those in these positions have behaved dishonorably, but that does not justify a lack of honor for all who serve in these positions. Jesus even prayed for the soldiers who nailed Him to the cross, saying “Father, forgive them; for they don’t know not what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). By praying for them, He showed honor to the soldiers who mistreated him, falsely accused him, humiliated him and, ultimately, killed him. As believers, we should be conscious to never speak against our police or military. They serve, protect and risk their lives for you, and they deserve the honor. And yes, there are some that should never have been in their positions…but again, 99.9% of them are great and honorable people. How about when you see them in public if they are in uniform or you know that they are police or military…how about buying them a meal and telling them they are doing a great job and you back them. You be a blessing to them for in this day and age…they are feeling pretty bad knowing that people want to destroy them.
Honor Your Children: Didn’t we just read to honor your parents? Yes, of course we did, but now it comes to our children. “Do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them.” –Ephesians 6:4. Honor is to be extended in every direction. To honor also means “to value,” and children should be greatly valued by society and their parents. We all know that many, many children in this day and age are extremely bad mannered and disrespectful of parents, teachers, and others so just how do we honor them? We love them, we train them in the word of God, we teach them morals and integrity, we spend time with them, we eat as many meals as we can with them, we talk to them while we eat those meals, and we put phones down during our time together. No, going off to another room to eat…but spend that time seeing how each person’s day has gone. If we were blessed with having a child/ren…then honor God by taking care of them…not as the world does but as God says to do it. Discipline is a quality we are to have over them as well. Discipline is not abuse! There are godly ways to deal with a child who misbehaves and it doesn’t mean abusing them. You also honor your children by teaching them what it means to show honor. Teach them to respect God, their parents, elders, teachers, police officers, etc. Teach them simple principles, such as: When you use something that belongs to someone else, wash it, clean it, fill it with gas or fix it (even if you didn’t break it) before you return it. Whatever you borrow, return it in better condition than when you got it. How many people nowadays borrow something and then feel like they have to “borrow” it back? Now, another thing is that you need to be a great role model for your children. Don’t be lying to them. They don’t deserve that. They are stronger than people think. If kids see you lying, cheating, committing a crime, stealing, doing drugs etc…it is imprinted in their minds and you don’t want that for your children. Isn’t it time to start acting and doing as God says? Sure it is. It has to begin even in baby steps if that is all you can yet muster…but start.
“Honor one another above yourselves.” –Romans 12:10 (NIV) When we honor others we show them that they really do matter. We also show God we care about what matters to Him: people! Jesus said that we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength; and love our neighbor as ourself (Mark 12: 30-31). When you honor others before yourself in every situation, you will show God’s love to the world, and you will be a living testimony of who He is.
Learn how to honor others and always honor God. People about us probably won’t honor us or God…but we have to be better than that. The first thing we need to do is understand the difference between respect and honor. Don’t mix them up. Respect is earned. Honor is given. We respect people for what they do.
The apostle Peter summarizes the Bible’s teaching on respect in his first Epistle: “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). Honor and value people for each and everyone of us God would like to be saved, but we know that millions will not be. However, we are to always do our part, live as God says, and treat others with respect and honor. It begins with us.
Loving the brotherhood of believers means to love all believers, regardless of color, nationality, opinions, or affiliations. We are to demonstrate to the world that we love our brothers and sisters in Christ. The apostle John wrote of this principle a number of times. Quoting Jesus, he writes, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:34–35; cf. 15:12; 1 John 3:23).
I want to encourage anyone who takes the time to read this, or share it ,to go to God and ask God if you have a problem with this topic and what He says you need to do to fix this in your life God loves you. You can always trust Him even in those times you don’t think or feel He is around…He is there.
Now, may the Lord bless you, draw you to Him, guide your steps, show you the truth about everything you need to know and do, and give you His peace.
God bless you.