Merriam-Webster tells us honor, by definition, is the respect we give someone that we admire.
To achieve this honor, the person must show three qualities.
First, she must have a good reputation. That’s easy enough to understand. All the stories about what she’s done in her life and where she’s been must be uplifting. In today’s digital world, everything shows up, and it’s difficult to hide anything.
Second, she must demonstrate good character as judged by other people. Yes, others will judge us, looking for upstanding behavior in compromising situations. When others aren’t looking, is our behavior still above reproach?
Third, she must exhibit elevated moral standards. Does she look the other way when seedy behaviors swirl among her cohorts, or does she peg herself at a higher caliber and attempt to bring others up to her level?
Honor, true honor is hard to earn. If the God who sees all, knows all, and understands all gives us honor, we can be assured that we have received something very special.
Double honor is even better.
1 Timothy 5:17 tells us that those who rule and rule well will receive honor upon honor. The preachers and teachers among us will receive double.
“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”
Revelation 3:21 says our honor will consist of sitting at the Father’s side in the day to come.
“The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.”
1 John 2:6 points us on the narrow path to receiving honor from our God.
“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”
1 Peter 5:5 is our complete guide to understanding what God sees as honorable.
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ ”
Let’s look back at Merriam-Webster for a moment. How does the definition found in this secular resource stack up against the Bible? Honor is given to those with a good reputation, an excellent character, and high moral standards. In other words, to people we admire. The best of Christians slide right in, fitting perfectly into Webster’s definition.
Add Jesus into the mix, and we’ve received double the honor we deserve.
Living the example of Jesus earns us twice the honor of those who try to be good on their own.
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Previously Published 5-31-16 in Relationships