I write this blog after listening to Col Stringer’s message this Sunday past at Faith Legacy Believers Church (Gold Coast). The biblical principle of honour stands out as a countercultural call to value and esteem others above oneself in a world that often celebrates self-promotion and personal gain. For the Christian, honour is not just a grand idea but a directive that carries profound blessings. From the faith members’ bonds of Ephesians 6 to the leadership respect in 1 Timothy, the Bible is replete with warnings to uphold honour as a vital aspect of the faith journey.
A reward at every level is directly linked to honouring those around you.
“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.” – Matthew 10:40-42 NKJV
Understanding Honour: The Call to Build Up Reputation
At its core, honour is about giving value to others. The biblical meaning goes beyond mere respect to building up someone’s reputation. It is recognising the God-given worth in every individual and acting in a way that uplifts and affirms that worth.
2 Timothy 2:20 highlights the diversity of vessels within a great house—some for honour and some for dishonour. It subtly teaches us that our actions and attitudes can categorise us in the eyes of God and others, emphasising the need to be vessels of honour, sanctified and useful for the Master.
“But in a great house, there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honour and some for dishonour”. – 2 Timothy 2:20
The Consequences of Dishonour: Jesus could not release His gift
In Mark 6:1-6, Jesus returns to His hometown, only to be met with scepticism and disbelief. Here, the Greek Word for dishonour, “Atimos,” is played out as the familiar crowd treats Jesus as standard, failing to recognise the Messiah (The Gift) in their midst. This dishonour led to a lack of miraculous works—demonstrating the stifling effect dishonour can have on the flow of blessings.
“Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended by Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.” Matthew 6:1-6 NKJV
There is always a danger when familiarity creeps into our relationships, both with God and the Word and with our earthly relationships. When this happens, we diminish the gift in the person/s around us, and we can no longer withdraw the anointing or blessings over their lives into our own.
Honour in the Home: The First Commandment with a Promise
Ephesians 6:1-3underscores honouring one’s parents, deeming it the first commandment with a promise—” that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” This passage conveys that honour has tangible rewards, affecting the quality and quantity of our earthly lives.
Giving Double Honour: The Mandate for Leaders
1 Timothy 5:17-18 instructs believers to give double honour to the elders who lead well, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching. It shows that honour within the body of Christ is about recognising status and valuing the work and dedication of those who shepherd God’s flock. This value is about honouring from the heart and mouth as well as material rewards and blessings. This is a biblical concept whereby the culture we find ourselves in has this “tall poppy seed syndrome” and, at times, a scarcity mentality whereby Leaders should not prosper beyond others. This is not the heart of God nor a biblical principle.
Throughout Scripture, the priests and Levites were honoured, valued and cared for in all their needs.
“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the Word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” – 1 Timothy 5:17-18 NKJV
Authority and Honour: The Governing Principle
Romans 13:1-7 extends the conversation of honour to the civic realm, instructing believers to submit to governing authorities, for God institutes them. Honour becomes a testimony of our faith in action, demonstrating our trust in God’s sovereignty over all earthly institutions.
The Life of Honour: Blessings and Applications
Living a life of honour means:
> Valuing Others: Seeing people through God’s love and treating them as valuable.
> Practising Esteem: Actively looking for ways to uplift and encourage others, especially those in positions of leadership and authority.
> Embracing Humility: Understanding that honouring others reflects the character of Christ, who, though He was God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His advantage.
As we walk the path of honour, we pave the way for blessings to flow in and through our lives. Honour begets honour, and as we sow it into the lives of others, we, too, reap the rewards of a life marked by God’s favour and grace.
In conclusion, honour is not an ancient tradition but a timeless principle that unlocks the fullness of God’s blessings. It is an act of worship, a demonstration of love, and a testament to our allegiance to the Kingdom of God. As we live honourably, we align ourselves with God’s heart, inviting His goodness, mercy, and faithfulness to permeate every aspect of our lives.
This blog was inspired by Col Stringer’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 17th of March, 2024. You can watch the full message below.