I
was traveling in Indonesia with our group teaching
and encouraging the churches and ministries there.
From the minute I stepped into that compound and was
introduced to the people, they went out of their way
to honor us. They demanded we sit in the front of
every assembly. They demanded we went first in every
line. They stood every time we entered the room.
Truth is, it made me feel uncomfortable. I wanted to
honor them, but they refused to be out-done or
out-served. The wise elderly gentleman with me said,
“Sometimes, we need to receive as well as we give.
Honoring us honors them.”
Honor is a lost
art yet holds profound implications in our
relationship with God. Something unique happens when
we honor others. According to some scripture, when
we lift up honor, down comes blessings. Many in our
current societies haven’t considered how honor and
blessings are connected.
Think about a
time you were honored! When someone spoke of your
value to the family, how significant you were to the
company, or how important you were to the team.
Maybe they thanked you for something you did that
stood out from others.
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How did it make you feel? Did it
inspire you? Of course it did. Did it make the sacrifice
worthwhile? Absolutely! Did it give you more confidence? Yes! Was
it uplifting to you on the inside? Without question. That’s what
honoring others does.
Through May, we are going to
learn what it means to give honor. Honor means to value someone. It
means to give respect. Everyone wants it, but we have to get past
ourselves to give it. There is an impulse inside most of us to think
of ourselves first. But as we go through the New Testament, God
asked his followers to be good at honoring those around us. “Honor
one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10.
Being called to honor others
actually pulls us back to Jesus. Jesus honored his disciples when He
washed their feet. Honoring others looks like Jesus. Come along
with us this May as we unlock the path to this surprising blessing.
Ron Otto, Preaching Minister
at Lincoln Christian Church
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