Today, I want to explore the transformative power of honour, and how it truly is a path of integrity. Honour is not just a fleeting emotion, but a divine principle that not only guides us in how to live, but also promises abundant blessings upon those who follow it. As Exodus 20:12 reminds us: “Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12 NIV). This is the first commandment with a specific promise, demonstrating the vital importance of honour in our relationship with God and with others.
Let’s examine how we can intentionally walk this path of integrity, embracing the commandment of honour and reaping its rewards in all areas of our lives.
Honour is a principle, therefore it is unconditional and non-negotiable.
Definitions of ‘Honour’ According to the Dictionary:
Honour signifies valuation, appreciation, esteem and admiration. It is to revere, treat with distinction, and act with respect. To honour someone is to hold them in high regard, to see them as important and precious
- The Biblical Foundation of Honour
Definition of Honour: Honour is more than mere words or superficial obedience. It’s a deep respect, admiration and value that we attribute to someone. It’s an attitude of the heart that manifests in our words and actions, recognising the intrinsic worth and inherent dignity of each person and entity.
Honour as a Commandment with a Promise:
Exodus 20:12 (NIV): “Honour your father and your mother, so that your days may be long upon the land that the Lord your God gives you.”
This commandment highlights the importance of recognising the authority and wisdom of parents, promising in return a long and blessed life. Honour isn’t just a duty, but an investment in our own well-being.
Romans 13:7 (NIV): “Give everyone what you owe them: If you owe tax, pay tax; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.”
This verse broadens the concept of honour to include all our obligations and relationships, emphasising the importance of treating each person with due respect and dignity.
Honour is a biblical principle that many Christians break or fail to obey, and as a result, even though they serve God and attend church, their lives are subject to the consequences of dishonour. Honour opens the doors to miracles and blessings, and dishonour also has consequences.
Honouring God and people is a debt we all must pay!
Romans 13:7 (NIV): “Give everyone what you owe them: If you owe tax, pay tax; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.”
God considers honour as a debt we must pay! And we must pay it to everyone!
The first to deserve our Honour is our God.
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17 (NIV)
We should honour God above all else because He is the Creator, our Father and Lord. He gave us life, loves us, and deserves all our reverence, obedience and gratitude. To honour Him is to recognise His holiness, power and love, and to pave the way for a deeper and more transformative relationship with Him.
Honour and the Character of God:
“‘I will honour those who honour me, but those who despise me will be treated with contempt.'” 1 Samuel 2:30b (NIV)
God honours those who honour Him, and despises those who despise Him. Honouring God is a reflection of our recognition of His holiness, power and love.
Disdain, disrespect and dishonour actively block blessings and the power of God. Dishonour creates spiritual barriers that prevent us from experiencing God’s favour and His manifestation in our lives.
- Honouring God: The Foundation
Ways to Honour God:
Worship: Give God our praise and worship, both privately and in public gatherings. Genuine worship expresses our love, gratitude and reverence for God, opening the doors to His presence and power in our lives.
Obedience: Follow His commandments and live according to His Word. Obedience demonstrates our faith, trust and submission to God, allowing Him to guide and protect us.
Stewardship: Use our time, talents and resources to advance His kingdom.
“Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV
Responsible stewardship recognises that everything we have comes from God, and invites us to use our gifts, talents and finances to glorify Him and bless others.
Faithfulness: Remain steadfast in our commitment to Him, even when confronted with challenges. Persevering faithfulness demonstrates our unwavering trust in God, and enables us to overcome obstacles and experience His promises.
Malachi 1:6 (NIV): “‘A son honours his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honour due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?’ says the Lord Almighty.”
God is our Father and our Lord. Do we treat Him with the honour He deserves? Honouring God manifests in our reverence, obedience and service, paving the way for a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him.
Example of Honouring God:
David, even when pursued by Saul, refused to raise his hand against him, as he recognised that Saul was the Lord’s anointed (1 Samuel 24). David’s honour toward God protected him and paved the way for his ascent to the throne, demonstrating the power of honour in fulfilling divine purpose.
III. Honouring People: Extending God’s Love
Why Honour People?
“So God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
Each person is created in God’s image and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Honouring others is honouring the Creator Himself, opening doors to healthy relationships and to the manifestation of God’s love in our lives.
Specific Biblical Examples of People we Should Honour:
Parents: “‘Honour your father and your mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—” (Ephesians 6:2)
Leaders: “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17)
Spouses: “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33)
Honouring the Elderly: “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:32)
Honouring All People: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)
Practical Ways to Show Honour:
- Listen attentively.
- Speak respectfully.
- Affirm their gifts and talents.
- Show appreciation.
- Serve them with humility.
- Be faithful always serving, not breaking the covenant.
Illustration of Honour Between Friends: David and Jonathan is an example of mutual honour (1 Samuel 18-20)
The friendship between David and Jonathan is a notable example of mutual honour (1 Samuel 18-20). Jonathan, even though he was the heir to the throne, recognised David’s anointing and honoured him above himself, demonstrating the power of honour in building lasting and meaningful relationships.
- Honouring the “Little Ones”: Blessing the Vulnerable
Who are the “Little Ones”? The “little ones” are those who are often neglected or marginalised in society – children, the poor, the sick, the disabled, the elderly, the excluded.
The Example of Jesus:
“But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14 (NIV)
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Practical Ways to Honour the “Little Ones”:
- Show compassion and kindness.
- Defend their needs.
- Protect them from harm.
- Invest in their lives.
Example of Honouring the “Little Ones”:
Dorcas, in Acts 9:36-42, is remembered for her acts of charity and kindness towards the poor and needy. Her service to the “little ones” brought blessings and testimony to the love of Christ, demonstrating the power of honour in transforming lives and communities.
The Blessings of Honour:
- Long and blessed life (Exodus 20:12).
- Favour with God.
- Increased influence.
- Stronger and long lasting relationships.
- Greater fulfilment.
- Open doors for opportunities.
Conclusion:
Honour is a divine commandment with a promise of abundant blessings. By honouring God, those who have authority over our lives, and the “little ones,” we open the doors to God’s favour, to healthy relationships, and to a full and meaningful life.
Let us also examine our hearts and repent for those times we’ve sought honour for ourselves, failing to value the “prophets” in our lives, and neglecting to give honour where it is due.
A humble heart is key to both giving and receiving honour rightly.
I challenge you to seek ways to cultivate more honour in your life, remembering that true honour is given, not you go after it. Whom do you need to show greater respect and appreciation?
How can you honour God in your choices and attitudes? Let’s embrace the commandment of honour and experience the promises it contains, transforming our lives and impacting the world around us.