Good relationships are based upon the value of honor. Honor is the missing link in our society these days. It appears that in times of elections, candidates have a way of dishonoring one another as much as possible in order to get votes. In spite of this, voters still elect these people regardless of their character. These elected officials usually create an atmosphere of smooth rhetoric and all the while voters fall for their tricks. Unfortunately dishonor is not limited to politics or media circles. It happens in the realm of family and the everyday work place. If people appreciated the value of honor, there would be less divorce, violence, bankruptcy, moral failure, division and the like.
Honor should be a priority in our relationships. First, we must honor God before we honor people. The time we spend before his presence in prayer is a very exclusive way in which we honor our Heavenly Father. The Bible gives us guidelines and a perfect perspective regarding the utmost importance of honor. When we follow the principles of God’s Word, we inherit blessings that will last a lifetime. Jesus’ central message and mission were based on honoring his Father in heaven. Reading God’s Word and actually applying it is a matter of honoring Him. Loving God translates into obedience to His Truth. As we respond to his Word in obedience, we are actually praising our loving Father with the honor that only He deserves.
When we relate to others according to his principles, we allow honor to flow in all our relationships. When honor is practiced, our lives and the lives of others are enriched. The priority of honor in our horizontal relationships begins with the family. Husband and wife must practice a culture of honor at home. The husband must give himself to love and to honor his wife as the weaker vessel. The wife as a helpmate is there to respect and honor her husband. Healthy marriages understand the importance of honoring one another. When the little lady is treated like a queen, she is bound to treat the husband like a king. That’s what honor does.
Parents must also learn ways to honor their children by providing a loving and disciplined environment. We should always respect and encourage the individuality our children. Their emotional health will grow in an atmosphere where honor is practiced. We must also honor our parents. God promises that if we honor our parents, we will have a good and lasting life (Ephesians 6:2-3). My father was a good son to my grandmother especially when she became a widow. He cared for her with love and compassion. Consequently, he outlived all his siblings to the age of 89. He died surrounded by the love of all his seven children. When you honor your parents, chances are that your children will see your example and follow it.
Finally, God requires us to honor authorities, both civil and spiritual. God’s Word says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” (Romans 13:1). The authorities that exist have been established by God. Every day we see tragedy in the news due to someone failing to respect and honor authority. If we do not respect civil authority, chaos will be the result. Also, I may disagree with the policies of a president, but as a citizen I must honor and pray for him and for all my civil authorities.
In church we must practice honor at all levels. We must especially honor our elders in the faith (1 Timothy 5:17 ). In every institution where honor is an active practice, the potential for growth and transformation is limitless. Can you practice honoring someone in your community today? Try it! You will not be disappointed with the results.
“Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and your father’s house would minister before me forever.’ But now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.” – 1 Samuel 2:30