Have you ever found yourself asking "why should I honor this person?” It is so simple to stand in judgment and wallow in self-pity. We hold the position of "I can do that better.” It is so difficult to give honor to those we don’t consider worthy of honor.
At work, are there supervisors or administrators, to whom we must give honor to keep our job? Every leader values being honored and respected. “Honor is a really big thing...part of a team."[1]{1} The Bible is clear with its instruction: “…servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.” – 1 Peter 2:18 Honor belongs in your workplace.
In the global picture, do we honor those in governmental power? We may disagree with their policy, their party, and their beliefs. But, again, the Bible is clear: "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors...doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. – 1 Peter 2:13-15 " Jesus honored that governmental authority. In His example we are to do likewise.
Where honor gets personal is closer to home. Broken relationships and broken marriages cause numerous hurtful emotions. Remember "Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you.” – Ephesians 6:2-3 It hardly seems possible that the promise of honor to those who have hurt deeply and personally will be "so that it may be well with you." Though not comfortable, giving honor to those who do not deserve it appears to be for our own good.
How then do we decide to choose to honor those in our business, government, and personal relationships? In an article by Brad Lomenick there are eight steps suggested in learning to honor.[2]
Not surprisingly, we begin with step one as prayer. When we pray for someone, it is difficult to be angry at the same time. Next is encourage. How many times has encouragement changed your position? Sometimes confrontation is needed to reach a level of honor. Honor is found in the ability to exchange input and feedback with others. Serving and trusting are also avenues for honor. When we work together and lean on each other, we both rise or fall together. Understanding and protecting another person's viewpoint is to honor them. Lastly and most difficult for some is to simply release. Release your hold on disagreement, hurt and your point of view. To honor does not mean to blindly obey, it means to value and respect.
"The truth is that honor is more about you and your heart than it is about the person you are honoring. With the heart of a servant, you are able to honor every person with. which you cross paths, and it shapes everything you say and do."[3] Foundations of Truth hereby waives all claim of copyright (economic and moral) in this work and immediately places it in the public domain; it may be used, published, edited, and distributed in any manner whatsoever without any attribution or notice to Foundations of Truth.
