This message on the topic of honor has been in my mind for some time. I realize it is a delicate topic, and one that probably will not raise a lot of hallelujahs. But I believe it is a relevant and timely message for all of us today. As with all my messages, it truly is my prayer that I can encourage and be a blessing as we walk out our faith together. That said, I was blessed this past weekend to hear a message from Pastor Galen Woodward who was the guest speaker at Evangel in Bismarck ND. He spoke on this topic of honor, and it encouraged me to do the same.
The Bible contains over 350 verses pertaining to honor and has many examples where the topic of showing honor takes center stage. As with many of God’s principles, He created a cause-and-effect principle—whereby, if you follow this principle, it is reciprocated with His blessing. Notice that I did not use the word RULE, but that it is a PRINCIPLE to follow. Christianity is about a loving personal relationship with Christ, not about rule-following. If the mission of life is to follow rules and laws and maintain a legalistic status quo, then we will become just like the Pharisees of the Bible, which are the very ones Jesus came against. So, as we follow the principle of honoring others, we should understand that God established this principle, and it’s very clearly in His Word so that we can learn to apply it. His blessing is connected to it. Hence, honor becomes a very powerful thing.
Probably one of the best examples of honor is in the life of David and his relationship with King Saul. As described in the book of Samuel, David distinguished himself as a musician and warrior, which gained him the attention of King Saul. Saul, being stressed and tormented, called upon David regularly to play his harp, to which the King found great comfort. David was also an anointed leader, and soon the king became jealous of David. That jealousy led to intense rage with the king chasing David all over Israel trying to kill him. By this time David had established his own army, and he had several opportunities to kill the king, but did not. On one occasion, King Saul entered into a cave where he was cornered by David and his men. David had once again had the open opportunity to kill the king, as many had urged him to do. But instead, David said “I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.” 1 Sam 24:10. However, King Saul’s life still came to an end, as he fell upon his own sword, rather than to face the embarrassment of being captured.
Years later, David—who is now King David, learned of a man named Mephibosheth, who was the grandson of King Saul. He was crippled and living in exclusion because the culture of that time dictated to not recognize those who had disabilities as being tied to authority figures. King David however, upon learning of his condition summoned for Mephibosheth to be brought before him. Mephibosheth likely trembled with fear as he bowed down in humility before the king and former enemy of his grandfather. But David instead, choose to honor Mephibosheth. He gave him all of Saul’s inheritance and instilled him to be a permanent guest at David’s table. Why? Again, David clearly understood the principle of honor. David also understood that in his own journey, King Saul (evil as he was) was all part of God’s plan.
Daniel 2:21 says, “God changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”
As well, Romans 13:1 says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
Another prime example of honor is found in 1 Peter 2:13-17, where it says, 13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution,[a] whether it be to the emperor[b] as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants[c] of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
These verses are sure to raise an eyebrow or two, am I right? Let’s remember that this is still God’s divinely inspired word meant for us to apply to our lives. Yes, there are many things in the Bible that we don’t readily understand, but we must also realize that we all have a propensity to talk around some of God’s principles in order to somehow justify or to make allowances for our own divergent thoughts and actions. I believe we have to take these words literally and humbly apply them to our lives.
How many of you have bosses/leaders at work, at school, or government agencies etc., that you do not always agree with? Perhaps they are even ungodly and their liberal ways cross grain with your moral values. You don’t have to agree with them, but God still says to honor them. Additionally, verse 17 clearly specifies to honor the emperor. The emperor—really? That would translate to the king or the president, correct? Yes, that’s right—him too. “But he is not in line with ANY of my values,” one might say. Nor is his political party for that matter. Some would say he is outright evil, or that he is not even legally the president, since they believe there was fraud involved in the election process. But still, would God not be aware of that? Was God somehow caught off Guard? Regardless of how the president got there, he is still signing documents and making decisions that the office or title allows him to. Again, God is not surprised by any of it. The point is, any way you slice up the argument, God still says to honor them.
The Roman emperor in Jesus’ day was Nero. He is known as one of history’s greatest criminals. He was evil in every sense of the word—likely possessed with evil spirits. He was known to rape, torture (in unspeakable gruesome ways) Christians and even his own family members. He even tortured and killed the apostle Paul and the disciple Peter. Paul was beheaded and Peter was crucified upside down. And yet it was Peter who actually penned the inspired words “Honor the emperor.”
We live in a day and age where it seems OK to join in the chants such as “Let’s go Brandon.” It’s heard in stadiums across the country. Do we laugh or snicker knowing what the slogan is actually saying? Why would this even be considered to be acceptable, especially from a Christian perspective? Is not being Christ-like somehow excusable in the name of politics? I think not. The same goes for the ridiculing and demeaning things that are forwarded through various social media platforms. Is this showing honor?
Full discloser here, I’m just not a political person. The very nature of politics seems very divisive to me. Oh, I vote and am as conservative as can be. But the finger pointing, name calling, and bashing, just doesn’t promote a healthy thought-life for me. It’s actually toxic in many cases. All forms of media feed upon trash talk and division. I am far from figuring out all the mysteries of God, but I do diligently seek Him. Therefore, I want to pay particular attention to the life of Christ and the words he spoke. Jesus is our ultimate example. When the disciples asked what the greatest commandments were Jesus stated, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” The he added, “And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.” (Matt 22:37-40) In other words, Jesus is saying, base your life upon loving God and loving people. Everything else should come into alignment with these two things. Neither of these is possible without honor.
There are so many things going on in our world, our nation, our cities, our schools, our neighborhoods, and in our families right now that absolutely need the blessing of God’s divine intervention. We (Christians, The Church) have the responsibility to pray—to intercede on their behalf. This is by God’s design; He has always used His people. Honor is key, but we cannot expect God’s blessing if there is a double standard. The Bible says, Out of the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. These things, my brothers, should not be this way [for we have a moral obligation to speak in a manner that reflects our fear of God and profound respect for His precepts]. James 3:10 (AMP)
I am so excited to see amazing answers to prayer as we apply the principle of honor in our lives. I look forward to seeing the testimonies in my own life and family and look forward to hearing from you as well. Without a doubt—God is good—all the time. All the time—God is good!
Blessed by the Best,
Mark
See You in the River 