Embracing Honor: A Kingdom Culture of Value

Devotional

Day 1: Every Person Is Crowned with Honor and Glory

God has created every human being in His own image, crowning each of us with intrinsic worth and honor that cannot be diminished by our circumstances, failures, or the opinions of others. This value is not based on our behavior or achievements, but on the fact that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, woven together by God Himself, and crowned with His glory and honor. When we begin to see others through this lens, we treat them as royalty, recognizing the divine value placed upon every life, regardless of their past or present. Ask God to open your eyes to see the crown of honor on those around you, and to live in a way that reflects this truth. [01:10:01]

Psalm 8:3-6 (ESV)
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
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.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet.

Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you tend to overlook or undervalue? How can you intentionally show them honor today, recognizing the crown God has placed on them?

Day 2: True Honor Flows from the Heart, Not Just Words

Honor is not simply about saying the right things or performing outward acts of respect; it must flow from a transformed heart that truly values others as God does. Jesus warns against honoring with lips while the heart remains distant, reminding us that religious acts without genuine love and regard are empty. We must ask God to purify our hearts so that our honor for Him and for others is authentic, not just a performance. Let your actions and words be an overflow of a heart that sees the worth God has placed in every person. [01:12:00]

Matthew 15:8-9 (ESV)
“‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to “go through the motions” of honor without truly meaning it? What would it look like to let God transform your heart in that area?

Day 3: Familiarity Can Hinder Honor and Limit God’s Work

Becoming overly familiar with those around us—seeing only their earthly background or past—can cause us to miss the gifts, callings, and value God has placed in them. When Jesus returned to His hometown, the people’s familiarity led to dishonor, and as a result, they missed out on the miracles and blessings He could have brought. We are called to see each other not just as we have always known, but as sons and daughters of God, refusing to let past perceptions limit the honor we give or the blessings we receive. [01:14:45]

Mark 6:1-6 (ESV)
He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.

Reflection: Is there someone in your family, workplace, or church whom you have become too familiar with, causing you to overlook their God-given value? How can you honor them in a new way this week?

Day 4: Honor in Relationships—Family, Marriage, and Authority

God calls us to honor specific relationships in our lives, including our parents, marriage, and those in authority, not because they are perfect, but because honor is a kingdom principle that brings blessing. Honoring parents is the first command with a promise, shaping how we relate to all authority. Marriage is to be held in honor, reflecting Christ’s love and purity. Even when relationships are broken or authority figures have failed, choosing to honor is ultimately an act of obedience to God, releasing His blessing and shaping a culture of respect and love. [01:30:48]

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.”

Reflection: Think of a relationship—parent, spouse, or leader—where honor has been difficult. What is one practical step you can take today to show honor, regardless of how you feel?

Day 5: The Greatest Honor Is Shown Through Humble Service

Jesus demonstrated the highest form of honor not by demanding recognition, but by humbling Himself to serve those under His leadership, even washing His disciples’ feet. True honor is not about holding onto titles or positions, but about picking up the towel and serving others, especially those who serve us. When we honor through humble service, we break the power of ego and superiority, and we create space for healing, restoration, and a fresh start for ourselves and others. Let us follow Jesus’ example and outdo one another in showing honor through acts of love and service. [01:40:44]

John 13:1-5 (ESV)
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Reflection: Who is someone in your life—perhaps someone who serves you or works under your leadership—that you can honor today through a specific act of humble service? What will you do?

Sermon Summary

Kingdom culture is more than a set of beliefs—it's a way of life that reflects the values of our King, Jesus. At its core, the kingdom is about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, but today the focus is on a vital, often overlooked aspect: honor. Honor is not just a cultural nicety or a matter of etiquette; it is a spiritual principle rooted in the very nature of God and the way He created us. Every person is made in the image of God, crowned with glory and honor, and our treatment of others should reflect that reality. Honor is not earned by behavior or status; it is given because of the intrinsic worth God has placed on every human being.

Growing up, many of us learned honor through family traditions or cultural practices, but kingdom honor goes deeper. It is not limited by familiarity, past mistakes, or social standing. The Bible teaches that honor is due to all people—parents, elders, government, spouses, church leaders, and even those who serve under us. Jesus Himself modeled this by washing His disciples’ feet, showing that true greatness in the kingdom is found in humble service and valuing others above ourselves.

One of the greatest hindrances to honor is familiarity. When we become too accustomed to someone, we risk seeing them only through the lens of their past or their earthly identity, rather than as God sees them. This limits not only our relationship with them but also the blessings and miracles God wants to release through honor. The story of Jesus in His hometown illustrates this: their lack of honor limited what He could do among them.

Honor also extends to our most foundational relationships—our parents and our marriages. The command to honor father and mother is the first with a promise, shaping how we relate to all authority and navigate conflict. Honoring marriage means upholding its sacredness and purity, resisting the cultural drift toward dishonor and compromise.

Ultimately, honor is a heart issue. It is possible to say the right words and perform the right actions, but if our hearts are not aligned with God’s value for people, our honor is empty. We are called to pray for transformed hearts, to see others as God sees them, and to outdo one another in showing honor. In doing so, we release blessing, healing, and the very culture of heaven into our homes, churches, and communities.

Key Takeaways

1. Honor is Rooted in God’s Image and Intrinsic Value Every person is crowned with glory and honor by God, not because of their achievements or failures, but because they bear His image. Our call is to recognize and affirm this intrinsic worth in everyone we encounter, regardless of their background or current state. This perspective transforms how we treat others, moving us from judgment to genuine respect and love. [70:01]
2. Familiarity Can Hinder Honor and Limit God’s Work When we become overly familiar with people—seeing them only as we have always known them—we risk missing the gifts and callings God has placed in them. This was evident in Jesus’ hometown, where their inability to honor Him as more than “the carpenter’s son” prevented them from receiving the miracles He could have performed. We must guard against letting past experiences or relationships blind us to the present value and potential in others. [74:45]
3. Honor is Freely Given, Not Earned by Performance While respect may be earned through actions, honor is a gift we extend because of God’s value on a person. This means we honor not only those who lead us but also those who serve under us, as Jesus demonstrated by washing His disciples’ feet. True honor is not about titles or positions, but about humbling ourselves and lifting others up, regardless of their role. [100:44]
4. Honoring Parents and Marriage Shapes Our Capacity for Healthy Relationships The command to honor our parents is foundational, teaching us how to navigate authority, conflict, and care for others. Similarly, honoring marriage as a sacred covenant sets a standard for purity, faithfulness, and mutual respect. These practices are not just about personal blessing, but about cultivating a culture where honor flows into every relationship and sphere of life. [90:48]
5. Honor Begins in the Heart and Must Be Cultivated Through Prayer and Humility Outward acts of honor are empty if not rooted in a transformed heart. Jesus warned against honoring with lips while the heart is far away. We must continually ask God to purify our motives, heal our wounds, and give us His eyes to see the crown of honor on every person. In this way, we become agents of restoration and blessing, releasing the kingdom culture wherever we go.

** [66:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Introduction to Kingdom Culture
[04:10] - Defining the King’s Domain
[07:00] - Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit
[09:45] - Generosity and Dying to Self
[12:30] - The Culture of Honor: Why It Matters
[16:00] - Personal Stories of Honor in Family
[20:30] - Kingdom Culture vs. Earthly Culture
[25:00] - Honor Defined: Old and New Testament Insights
[29:00] - Intrinsic Value: The $100 Bill Illustration
[33:00] - Honor vs. Respect
[36:00] - Jesus on True Honor: Heart vs. Lips
[40:00] - Hindrances to Honor: The Danger of Familiarity
[45:00] - Who Should We Honor? Parents, Marriage, and More
[50:00] - Restoring Honor in Relationships
[55:00] - Honoring Those Who Serve Under Us
[60:00] - The Power of Humble Leadership
[65:00] - Foot Washing: A Living Example of Honor
[70:00] - Prayer for a Culture of Honor and Altar Call

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 8:3-6 (ESV) — > When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
> the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
> 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.
> You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
> you have put all things under his feet.

Mark 6:1-6 (ESV) — > He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief.

John 13:3-5 (ESV) — > Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 8, what does it mean that God has “crowned” people with glory and honor? How does this shape the way we see ourselves and others?
In Mark 6, what was the reaction of Jesus’ hometown to Him, and how did their familiarity affect their ability to receive from Him? [01:14:45]
What did Jesus do for His disciples in John 13, and what does this act show us about honor and leadership? [01:40:44]
The sermon mentioned that honor is not earned by performance but is given because of God’s value on a person. What illustration did the pastor use to explain this? [01:10:01]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God chose to crown every person with glory and honor, regardless of their achievements or failures? How does this challenge the way we usually assign value to people? [01:10:01]
How does familiarity with someone (like family or close friends) make it harder to honor them? What are some real-life examples where this might happen? [01:14:45]
Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, even though He was their leader. What does this teach us about the kind of honor that is part of God’s kingdom? How is this different from the world’s view of honor and status? [01:40:44]
The sermon said that outward acts of honor are empty if our hearts are not right. What does it look like to honor someone with your lips but not your heart? [01:06:09]

Application Questions

The pastor said that every person you meet is wearing a “crown of honor” because they are made in God’s image. Is there someone in your life you struggle to see this way? What would it look like to treat them as someone crowned with honor this week? [01:10:01]
Think about your closest relationships—family, spouse, or friends. Are there ways that familiarity has caused you to take them for granted or dishonor them? What is one practical step you can take to restore honor in those relationships? [01:14:45]
The sermon talked about honoring parents and marriage as foundational for healthy relationships. If you have conflict or pain in these areas, what does it look like to honor even when it’s hard? Is there a conversation or action you need to take? [01:30:48]
Jesus modeled honor by serving those under Him, not just those above Him. Who is someone in your life (at work, church, or home) that you lead or have authority over? How can you show them honor this week, maybe through a simple act of service or encouragement? [01:40:44]
The pastor warned that it’s possible to say the right things but have a heart far from true honor. Are there situations where you’ve honored someone outwardly but not in your heart? What would it look like to ask God to change your heart in those situations? [01:06:09]
The sermon challenged us to “outdo one another in showing honor.” What is one creative or unexpected way you could honor someone in your church or community this month? [01:40:44]
If you have been hurt or dishonored by someone, how can you invite God to heal your heart so you can still honor them as a person made in God’s image? Is there a prayer or step of forgiveness you need to take? [01:06:09]

Sermon Clips

When we talk about a kingdom culture we have to understand that kingdom is two words—it speaks of a king's domain. So there's a king that rules over a certain territory, and as he rules over that territory, he's not just ruling over animals and landmarks. No, it's usually a community of people. That community of people usually reflects the king's values. So when we talk about the kingdom culture, we're talking about what do the people of God look like? What do their lives embody? What are their characteristics? [00:52:34] (41 seconds) #KingsDomainValues

I believe that God is calling us to embody this higher level of honor towards each other, and it's all rooted in the word of God, because the Bible says this: it says that we were all made in God's likeness and his image. Every single human being carries the image of God. [01:07:37] (23 seconds) #ImageOfGodValue

If we limit each other as the son of our lineages here on earth and not see each other as sons and daughters of God, then we will limit and we actually will lose privileges and access that we actually were probably supposed to gain from these people. [01:23:18] (20 seconds) #SonsAndDaughtersPrivilege

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