Honour and Prosperity

Romans 13:7 tells us to “Render honour to whom honour is due.” Jesus said, “If I honour myself, My honour is nothing. It is My Father who honours Me…” (John 8:54) However, in verse 49 He says, “I honour My Father.”

Notice how the Godhead renders honour where honour's due. This tells me that giving honour is a vital component of our Christian walk. It’s an essential part of living life as honourable men, women and children. But here is something we can all rejoice in, Jesus said in John 12:26, “If anyone serves Me, him my Father will honour.” The Father bestows honour upon everyone who chooses to serve Christ.

Concerning honour, God alone is worthy to receive adoration, adulation and praise. To honour Him is to worship Him! To honour God is to give Him reverence and homage, for God alone is worthy of our highest honour – 1 Corinthians 16:27.

But what exactly is honour? To honour God is,

To show respect or esteem
To lift up or elevate
To bestow dignity upon
To fix a great value upon
To glorify
To adore
To love

Honouring God as an act of genuine worship is probably much easier to comprehend (and apply) than “rendering honour where honour is due” to everyone. Romans 12: 10 tells us that in order to behave like true Christians honour must be given “one to another” instead of claiming it for ourselves.

In this regard, let’s examine what is expected of us (in accordance with God’s word), so that we can see whether honour is actually being given where honour is due. For if it isn’t, then unnecessary debt is being accumulated.

Honour always recognises value. What you value you will regard, respect and hold in great esteem. The question is… “What value have you placed upon your husband, your wife, your children or your loved ones?” Do you really regard them as being valuable and precious, or do other things in your life take preference? Consider this, “what you discard you dishonour!”
Honour is always preceded by humility. Proverbs 15:33, “And before honour is humility.” Giving honour requires you to overcome your pride because it involves humility. You can never give honour to anyone if you are seeking honour for yourself.
Honour always involves generosity. The degree to which you give expresses the degree to which you value. It is an indication of the true worth you hold in your heart. Liberality toward one another is an act of love. Honour is about being a blessing to those around you and it is never self-indulgent. The Bible places honour beside wealth and riches!
Honour is always active. Honour will not just verbalise or vocalise, it will express itself in deed and behaviour – it will do! Respect is passive honour is active. Respect is based on how you feel but honour is based on how others feel. Respect attaches itself to the norm (it does and says what is expected), but honour goes beyond the norm - its does and says the unexpected. Respect can be begrudging, yet honour is transparent and honest.
Honour is always heartfelt. Honour is a true reflection of what is held in the heart. Like adoration honour is an expression of your appreciation. Do you appreciate someone enough to honour and respect them.
Honour is always founded and grounded in love. Honour, as with love, is without hypocrisy. Honour seeks what is right, trustworthy and praise-worthy. It shuns evil and clings to what is good. Honour does not find faults, it does not criticise or bad-mouth. It does not slander or bring false accusation. Honour sees value and worth in every person. It seeks to encourage and edify. Honour always lifts up or elevates it never tears down.

Having looked at this list, can you truly say that you have given honour where honour is due? Or, are you actually indebted to those around you - to those in authority over you? 1 Timothy 5:17 says, “Let those who rule well over you be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine.”

Don’t give honour when it’s overdue! Start rectifying matters right now, purpose to change you attitude and get your priorities right. There are many benefits to those who give honour to where honour is due. Exodus 20:12 states, “Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Since the family is the key component to society, appropriate relationships must me maintained. Honouring each other within the family circle is a testimony to the world and it will cause prosperity to flourish.

Giving “honour where honour is due” is a trustworthy mechanism for true prosperity - in all matters of life!

Chris Demetriou, 22/02/2009