Honor to Whom Honor is Due
“Render to all men their dues. [Pay] taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due.” Romans 13:7 (Amplified Bible)
To “honor” someone is to show them great respect and hold them in high esteem… to recognize their accomplishments…to let them know that they possess special qualities… and that they are special. Our world tells us to recognize those with special talents and abilities. If you can throw a ball farther or harder, or if you can run faster or out perform others in the athletic arena, you are worthy of “honor”. If you can make more money, or are prettier, or can entertain the masses, you are worthy of “honor”.
Ask yourself, “when was the last time an actor or an athlete made a difference in my life?” In today’s society where we are constantly encouraged to focus on ourselves – our needs, our desires, our wants, what brings us pleasure – we often forget to honor those who are most dear to us…those who have truly had a real impact on our lives. Parents, family, teachers, true friends, the Elders of the Church (see 1 Timothy 5:17), ministers; those who care more about you than themselves. These are the servants who exemplify the very meaning of the word “hero”, and these are the people who are worthy of our respect, our admiration, our honor.
How do we honor someone who is this important in our lives? We can, and should, always tell them how much they mean to us…not just at special times but as often as we can. More importantly, we can live a life worthy of their love for us. Paul tells us in Romans 12:9-13, how to honor others:
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26
Ask yourself, “when was the last time an actor or an athlete made a difference in my life?” In today’s society where we are constantly encouraged to focus on ourselves – our needs, our desires, our wants, what brings us pleasure – we often forget to honor those who are most dear to us…those who have truly had a real impact on our lives. Parents, family, teachers, true friends, the Elders of the Church (see 1 Timothy 5:17), ministers; those who care more about you than themselves. These are the servants who exemplify the very meaning of the word “hero”, and these are the people who are worthy of our respect, our admiration, our honor.
How do we honor someone who is this important in our lives? We can, and should, always tell them how much they mean to us…not just at special times but as often as we can. More importantly, we can live a life worthy of their love for us. Paul tells us in Romans 12:9-13, how to honor others:
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (NIV)When we learn to honor others, then we too will become a servant, and God will honor us!
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26
posted by Carl Wheeler at 12:26 PM
1 Comments:
May your knowledge and experience of the riches of God’s grace, abundantly lavished on us through the gift of His Son as our Savior and King, warm your souls and brighten your days through this holiday season. Merry Christmas! -bill
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