Our church is entering an honoring season: Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Graduation. I think that honor is becoming a bit of a lost art. There are a couple of reasons:
- Social Media tends to egocentric. This is not a criticism about social media but instead a reality. When we post we tend to post about our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Posting on social media is typically not about honoring others. Since this is a primary way that many communicate honor gets lost in the fray.
- Culture tends to be more critical. We have so many voices and so many opinions accessible to us that we have become a more critical people. When criticism increases in a culture honor tends to decrease.
- Spirituality has become overly pragmatic. Many churches and pastors/preachers are teaching a spirituality that solves problems. Follow these 5 steps to financial peace, these 4 steps to a healthy marriage, and these 3 steps to a healthier lifestyle. Honor tends to get lost in this message because honor is fully and even solely about the other person. Celebrating them, encouraging them, and pointing out their strengths. It isn’t seeking to solve a problem in our life, it is simply seeking to honor them.
I love what the Apostle Paul write to the church in Rome: “Love must be sincere. hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12: 9
How does one arrive to this position? There is no ego in this text, no critical spirit in this text, really no self of any kind. What made Paul so committed to this kind of love, honor, and grace? Well, chapter 12 of Romans happens in a context. Go ahead and read Romans 1-11. Like, right now. Read. Do it.
Waiting
Waiting
Waiting
You probably noticed that Paul wrote chapter 12 after 11 chapters of basking in truth after truth about what Jesus has accomplished. Forgiveness of sin. Salvation. New life. Holy Spirit. These chapters are some of the richest and best texts in the Bible.
After 11 chapters Paul teaches us an important lesson: love people this way. Honor people this way. Serve people this way. Allow Jesus, the gospel, and His example to transform the way you treat people.
So, if honor is hard for you, go ahead and reread the book Romans. The whole thing.
Are you done?
Now, go and give someone you love a hug. (Not a stranger, that would be weird)
Write an encouraging note.
Give a compliment.
Make a phone call or send a text.
Post something encouraging about someone else.
Honor others above yourselves.
Encourage, Challenge, and Equip 