Crowned with Honor: Embracing God's Value in Others

Devotional

Day 1: You Are Crowned with Honor

Every person is created in the image of God and crowned with honor, regardless of their past, mistakes, or what others may say about them. This intrinsic value is not diminished by the wounds, failures, or the negative words spoken over a life. Just as a crumpled or torn bill retains its value, so too does every human being retain their worth in God's eyes. Recognizing this truth transforms how we see ourselves and others, calling us to treat each person with dignity and respect, knowing that God Himself has placed a crown of honor upon each head. [58:13]

Psalm 8:4-5 (ESV)
"What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor."

Reflection: Who in your life do you struggle to see as valuable or honorable? How might your attitude and actions change if you truly believed God has crowned them with honor?

Day 2: Honor Is Given, Not Earned

Honor is not something that must be earned through perfect behavior or respectability; it is a gift we extend to others because of who God made them to be. While respect may be based on actions, honor flows from the heart and is rooted in recognizing the God-given value in every person. Even when people fail or disappoint us, we are called to honor them, not because they deserve it, but because we are honorable people who reflect God's heart. This kind of honor is a choice and a discipline, shaping our relationships and the culture around us. [01:05:20]

Romans 12:10 (ESV)
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."

Reflection: Is there someone you find difficult to honor right now? What is one practical way you can show them honor this week, regardless of how you feel?

Day 3: The Power of Honoring Authority and Parents

God commands us to honor those in authority, especially our parents, as the first form of authority in our lives. This command comes with a promise of blessing and long life, emphasizing the importance of learning honor at home so it can flow into every other area of life. Honoring parents and leaders is not about agreeing with everything they do, but about recognizing the position God has given them and choosing to speak and act with respect. This practice lays a foundation for healthy relationships and a blessed future. [01:16:18]

Ephesians 6:2-3 (ESV)
"'Honor your father and mother' (this is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.'"

Reflection: How do you speak about and interact with your parents or those in authority over you? What is one way you can intentionally honor them today?

Day 4: Honoring Marriage and Purity

Marriage is to be held in honor by all, and the marriage bed kept pure. In a culture that often devalues marriage and purity, God calls His people to restore honor to these sacred gifts. This means teaching sons and daughters to value their bodies, to honor their future spouses, and to see themselves as temples of the Holy Spirit. Honoring marriage is not just for those who are married, but for everyone, as it shapes the way we prepare for and support godly relationships in the community. [01:19:27]

Hebrews 13:4 (ESV)
"Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous."

Reflection: If you are single, how can you honor your future spouse today through your choices? If you are married, what is one way you can honor your spouse this week?

Day 5: Honoring Through Humble Service

True honor is not just shown to those above us, but also to those who serve under us. Jesus modeled this by washing His disciples’ feet, demonstrating that leaders are called to serve and honor those they lead. Humility destroys pride and creates space for genuine honor to flow in every direction—up, down, and across. When we serve others, especially those who may feel overlooked, we reflect the heart of Christ and build a culture where everyone is valued and loved. [01:27:55]

John 13:14-15 (ESV)
"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."

Reflection: Who is someone in your life or community that serves quietly in the background? How can you honor them in a tangible way this week?

Sermon Summary

From the very beginning, each person was created with a unique purpose and crowned with honor by God. The culture of God’s kingdom is marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, and these qualities should be evident in the lives of God’s people. Joy is not an optional extra; it is a defining trait of those who belong to Christ. Yet, there is another attribute that is often overlooked but is essential to kingdom culture: honor. God calls His people to be the most honorable on earth, treating every person with the dignity and value that comes from being made in His image.

Honor is not merely a cultural value, but a biblical mandate. While some cultures, like Filipino or Mexican, may emphasize honor in their traditions, biblical honor goes deeper. It is not about status, age, or achievement, but about recognizing the God-given worth in every individual. Just as a hundred-dollar bill retains its value no matter how crumpled or dirty it becomes, so every person retains their value in God’s eyes, regardless of their past or present circumstances.

There is a distinction between honor and respect. Respect is often earned through actions, but honor is given because of who someone is—a person created and loved by God. True honor flows from the heart, not just from outward actions or words. Hindrances like jealousy, pride, or a mocking spirit can prevent us from honoring others, but God calls us to overcome these and to see others as He sees them.

The call to honor extends to specific relationships: leaders, parents, marriage, and even those who serve under us. David’s example with King Saul shows that honor is not dependent on the worthiness of the other person, but on our own character and obedience to God. Jesus Himself modeled ultimate honor by washing His disciples’ feet, teaching that true greatness is found in serving and honoring others, regardless of their position.

Restoring honor in our homes, churches, and communities is vital. It begins with recognizing the crown of honor God has placed on each head and choosing to treat every person accordingly. As we honor others, we reflect the heart of God and release His blessing into our lives and the lives of those around us.

Key Takeaways

1. Honor Is Rooted in God’s Image, Not Human Achievement Every person is crowned with honor simply because they are made in the image of God. This intrinsic value is not diminished by mistakes, failures, or the opinions of others. To honor someone is to agree with God about their worth, regardless of their current state or history. [58:13]
2. Honor and Respect Are Not the Same Respect is often conditional, based on someone’s actions or character, but honor is unconditional and flows from recognizing God’s handiwork in every life. We are called to honor even when respect has not been earned, because honor is about who someone is, not just what they do. [64:44]
3. Jealousy and Pride Are Barriers to Honor Jealousy, like that which Saul had for David, can poison our ability to honor others and even lead to destructive actions. Pride convinces us that we are above others, making it impossible to serve or honor them genuinely. Overcoming these barriers requires humility and a heart transformed by God’s love. [69:12]
4. Honoring Authority and Those Under Us Reflects God’s Heart The call to honor is not just for those above us—leaders, parents, or pastors—but also for those we lead or serve alongside. Jesus demonstrated this by washing His disciples’ feet, showing that true honor is expressed in humble service and valuing others above ourselves. [84:05]
5. Restoring Honor Begins at Home and Flows Outward Learning to honor starts in the family, as children honor parents and spouses honor each other. This foundation shapes how we relate to authority, peers, and those we serve. When honor is restored in the home, it becomes a wellspring that blesses the church and the wider community.

** [76:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[47:28] - Opening Prayer
[48:14] - Introduction to Kingdom Culture
[49:13] - The Joy of the Kingdom
[49:56] - Prophetic Encouragement
[51:57] - The Call to Honor
[52:45] - Cultural Examples of Honor
[54:08] - Learning Honor Through Missions
[56:41] - Teaching Honor to the Next Generation
[58:13] - Crowned with Honor
[59:33] - Seeing the Crown in Others
[61:10] - The Value of Every Life
[64:44] - Honor vs. Respect
[69:12] - Jealousy as a Barrier to Honor
[72:00] - David’s Example of Honoring Authority
[75:10] - Honoring Parents and Family
[78:38] - Honoring Marriage and Purity
[83:26] - Honoring Those Who Serve
[84:05] - Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
[87:12] - Overcoming Pride to Honor Others
[89:24] - Foot Washing as a Symbol of Honor
[92:28] - Blessing and Commissioning
[94:11] - Prayer for Release of Honor
[95:11] - Closing and Final Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Culture of Honor in God’s Kingdom

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### Bible Reading

Psalm 8:4-5 (ESV)
> "What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor."

Exodus 20:12 (ESV)
> "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you."

John 13:12-15 (ESV)
> "When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, 'Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.'"

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### Observation Questions

According to Psalm 8, what does it mean that God has “crowned” people with glory and honor? How does this connect to the way we see ourselves and others? [58:13]
In the sermon, what cultural examples of honor were shared, and how did they shape the speaker’s understanding of biblical honor? [52:45]
What is the difference between honor and respect as described in the sermon? [01:04:44]
How did Jesus demonstrate honor to his disciples in John 13, and what was the significance of this act? [01:24:05]

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### Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that honor is rooted in God’s image, not in human achievement. Why is it important to see every person as crowned with honor, even if their life is “crumpled or dirty” like the $100 bill illustration? [01:01:10]
Why does the speaker say that honor is a “biblical mandate” and not just a cultural value? How does this challenge or affirm your own background? [51:57]
What are some barriers to honoring others that the sermon mentions, and why do jealousy and pride make it so hard to honor people? [01:09:12]
Why is it significant that David honored King Saul even when Saul was not acting honorably? What does this teach us about honoring authority? [01:12:00]

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### Application Questions

The sermon says that every person is crowned with honor by God. Is there someone in your life you struggle to see as valuable or worthy of honor? What would it look like to treat them as God sees them this week? [59:33]
Think about your family relationships. Are there ways you can show more honor to your parents, spouse, or children? What is one specific action you can take at home to restore or strengthen a culture of honor? [01:16:18]
The difference between honor and respect was highlighted—honor is given because of who someone is, not what they do. Is there someone you need to honor even if you don’t feel they have “earned” your respect? How can you do this practically? [01:04:44]
The sermon mentioned that jealousy and pride can block us from honoring others. Is there a relationship where you feel jealousy or pride creeping in? What step can you take to humble yourself and honor that person? [01:09:12]
Jesus washed his disciples’ feet as an act of honor and service. What is a “foot washing” act you can do for someone in your life this week—something humble that shows you value them? [01:24:05]
The speaker said restoring honor starts at home and flows outward. How can you help create a culture of honor in your church or community? Is there a group or person you feel called to honor more intentionally? [01:16:18]
When you think about your workplace, school, or ministry, are there people “under” you or who serve you that you overlook? What is one way you can show them honor this week? [01:24:05]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for God to open their eyes to the “crown of honor” on each person they meet this week, and to give them the humility and courage to honor others as Jesus did.

Sermon Clips

When we do foot washing, what we do is we pray for the person getting their feet washed. In the Bible times they didn't have the shoes and the socks. So their feet would be dirty. Sometimes they might have stepped on a rock and they cut their foot. They might be bleeding. This is symbolic of all of us walk on a journey of life. Our feet might be cut because we've been wounded by someone. God wants us to wash each other's feet. And pray that the past will be done away with, and that this person is ready for a new journey.

When we talk about kingdom culture, we're saying what does the church look like? What are their characteristics? The Bible tells us that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. So if you say that you are God's child, people should experience righteous living from you. But also it says that you should be joyful. Are you a happy Christian? Sometimes we have mean Christians, serious Christians, but there's no fruit of the spirit called serious. [00:48:25]

But today I want to talk about a specific attribute of the kingdom culture that's not talked about much: honor. God desires for us Christians to be the most honorable people, to treat people with honor. [00:51:38]

I believe that there's a generation—if we do not teach them the basics of honor—they will walk around dishonoring the relationships. But I believe that God is calling us to live at a level of honor. Amen? That each and every one of us was made in God's image. The Bible says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by the hands of God. [00:57:35]

That scripture said that you are crowned with honor. Right by you, tell him, that's a beautiful crown you have on your head. Look at somebody else and say, do you see my crown? Like we had crowns on our head. The reality is God does want us to look at each other like that. He put that crown there on all of us. [00:59:08]

When you talk about biblical honor, it's greater than cultural honor. So the word, the word, the word "time"—high value. Like there's no value on them. You are high value. [01:00:24]

This hundred dollars is symbolic of your life. So how much is this worth? How about now? Yeah. How about now? How about now? I would have both halves, it's still worth a hundred. How about this? The Bible says money is the root of all evil. That's negative words that are spoken—the Bible doesn't say that. The Bible says the love for money, greed for money, is the root of all evil. So is it still—how much? I lost it. How much is it worth? Still a hundred. That's the same way God sees all of our lives. Not just in the church, but even outside. Has been ripped in, have never lost honor. [01:01:42]

I tell you today, nothing in life could take away the value in God's eyes for you. [01:04:28]

There's a difference between honor and respect. Respect has to be by you acting right, that people respect you. Then they'll respect. Honor is not about earning it. Honor is just based on who God made you to be. Without people gaining our respect, God teaches us about real honor. [01:04:44]

A clue of where honor should come from—should come from your heart. I believe that people know when we're insincere. We can say all the right things, right? But our heart really isn't for God. A bunch of rules. Have you ever been around somebody, you just know it's not right? God gives us that ability. But I don't believe God wants us to be that way. He wants our hearts to be truly honorable. [01:06:36]

One of the hindrances to you honoring people—you could be jealous of them. There's the scripture in the Bible that talks about a king named Saul. Philistines are known for a mocking spirit. Some of you guys hear a mocking spirit in your life: you are not good enough, your anointing is not strong enough, you don't have enough money to do that. That's a lying, mocking spirit that must be destroyed. [01:08:08]

You can't honor people if you are jealous of them. The Bible says that anger is dangerous—who could stand against jealousy? It could be even stronger than anger. [01:10:04]

But we learned something about honoring our leaders. And as David was running away, one day Saul was trying to use the bathroom—what the Bible says. And David came behind and he cut the side of his clothes. And he was yelling at Saul, and he said something so beautiful that I think we have to learn when we honor our pastors and leaders. He said, I will not touch the Lord's anointed. Such an honorable thing for David to do. And I believe that that's our call too. [01:11:09]

Sometimes people do not deserve the honor. But because I am an honorable man of God, all that could come out is honor. It's more that we're honoring God by honoring them. [01:14:41]

Before they have a teacher, government, they're going to have to learn how to communicate with an honor to their parents. If you don't know how to learn—if you don't learn that at home, they're not going to listen to their boss. Then they're going to keep on going from job to job. But God wants us to start learning the idea of honor in the home. So the rest of their life will be blessed. Amen? [01:16:37]

The next one he wants you to honor your marriage. Your future marriage. First it says that marriage is a godly thing, a holy thing. In our generation a lot of the kids, they don't want to get married anymore. They think it's a ball and chain, that they'll be locked down. But the Bible says no, we must still honor marriage. [01:17:57]

But not just that—the marriage bed. I believe the church has the power to restore honor back to the marriage bed. I believe that we have to teach our sons that God has called them to be leaders of families in the future. If you're a single man, what you're practicing now will affect your future. The Bible says we have to honor the marriage bed. That means we have to honor someone's future wife, future husband. [01:19:07]

We have to teach our daughters to know that their bodies—they must honor their body. This is the resting place of the Holy Spirit. They're not supposed to be given out to other people. [01:20:45]

Are we training our daughters to be Proverbs 31 or Proverbs 5? Are we praying for them, that they do not become Proverbs 5 or that our sons don't choose the Proverbs 5 women? We have to honor. [01:21:59]

But Jesus showed us something else also. He showed us that we have to honor the people that are serving under us. Honor has to come from us leaders to the people that are serving. [01:23:27]

Do you know the last thing Jesus did before he went to the cross? It said that they were having the last supper. And at the supper it said that Jesus took a towel. And it said that he washed his disciples' feet. We must honor those that serve. [01:23:53]

Another enemy of honoring people—you're too proud. There's no space for pride, no space for me thinking I'm better. And that's what Jesus patterned and he said, I'm doing this on purpose. He said, what I'm doing to you, I want you to do to each other. I want to honor each other. [01:27:05]

Look at your neighbor and say, I like that crown. You are valuable to God. [01:35:14]

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