Honor

Honor.

A basic principle that has been very lost in today's society.

Honor.

A foundation of the faith. If we believe in God and fear God, then we will honor Him.

Honor.

Jesus says it is key to receiving. "Only in his hometown is a prophet without honor." And in his hometown Jesus found he could do very few miracles. It is not that Jesus was lacking in power, for He is capable of doing many miracles! But when people refused to believe in Him, therefore, dishonored him, God could not be given glory through their lives.

Honor is essential in all relationships. If we honor God, He is pleased to work through us to His glory. If we honor others, bring more glory to God and we improve the success of those relationships. Those who give honor will receive honor in return. Even in circumstances where we are mistreated, our enemy shall have nothing to say against us if we show them honor.

As I reflect on the power of honor, I am well aware that I have often failed to show honor in the past. For all authority is given by God, and those who are in position of authority deserve honor, whether or not they are of good character. Even David did not dishonor King Saul when Saul was attempting to kill him, for he knew that Saul had been anointed by God for a purpose. How I long to be like that! I want to acknowledge the greater purposes God has.

In watching John Bevere's "Honor's Reward" series, and in finding passages of scripture about honor, I am convicted by the extreme importance of this principle.

Honor is to value. Dishonor is to treat as common. When we honor God, we value Him for who He is and for what He says He can do. We believe Him, trust Him. If we do not honor God, then we cannot truly have the fear of the Lord. And if we do not have the fear of the Lord, we do not have the foundation of wisdom. He who desires true wisdom will place his own life back in the hands of his Creator, developing honor and fear for who our God is. Do we treat our God as common? Do we forget to sing His praise? Do we forget to treat His Name as holy? Do we forget that He has made us for His purposes? Do we speak to Him as if He exists for our good? No, we shall not dishonor our LORD in this manner. We will learn to value Him.

Do we lack the power of God in our lives? Do we fall short of wisdom? Do we feel as though we can never hear God? Maybe we are living in dishonor.