Reclaiming Honor: A Divine Mandate for Relationships

Devotional

Day 1: The Intrinsic Value of Every Person

Honor is a profound concept that adds value, worth, and weight to our lives and relationships. It is not something to be taken lightly, as it reflects the intrinsic value that God places on every individual. Just as a crumpled and dirty $100 bill retains its value, so do people, regardless of their circumstances or past mistakes. We are called to honor others not because they deserve it, but because God deserves it. When we honor His children, we honor Him. Unfortunately, our society has drifted into a culture of dishonor, devaluing human life and authority, which has led to societal consequences. As followers of Jesus, we must reclaim the principle of honor, understanding that it is a divine mandate. [01:15]

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may feel undervalued or overlooked. How can you intentionally show them honor and remind them of their worth in God's eyes today?

Day 2: The Cost of a Culture of Dishonor

Our society suffers from a culture of dishonor, devaluing life and authority. This leads to societal consequences, as seen in Romans 13:2, where rebelling against authority is rebelling against God. We must return to a biblical understanding of honor to avoid these consequences. Dishonor not only affects individuals but also the community at large, creating a ripple effect of disrespect and division. As believers, we are called to be counter-cultural, to stand against the tide of dishonor, and to uphold the values of the Kingdom of God. [03:19]

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)

Reflection: Consider an authority figure in your life whom you struggle to respect. What steps can you take to honor their position, even if you disagree with their decisions?

Day 3: The Danger of Familiarity and Offense

Familiarity and offense can lead to dishonor, as seen in Jesus' experience in Nazareth. When we become too familiar with someone, we may devalue them, and offense can cause us to spread dishonor. We must guard against these attitudes to maintain a spirit of honor. Familiarity breeds contempt, and when we allow offense to take root, it blinds us to the value and potential in others. Jesus' inability to perform miracles in Nazareth serves as a stark reminder of how dishonor can limit the work of God in our lives. [14:30]

"And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.'" (Matthew 13:57, ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone in your life whom you have become too familiar with, leading to a lack of honor? How can you change your perspective and actions towards them today?

Day 4: Reconciliation Over Retribution

Nelson Mandela's choice to honor those who wronged him illustrates the power of reconciliation over retribution. By leading with honor, we can sow seeds of unity and healing, impacting not only our lives but also those around us. Mandela's life is a testament to the transformative power of choosing honor and forgiveness over bitterness and revenge. His actions brought healing to a nation and serve as a powerful example for us to follow in our own lives. [11:24]

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life that needs healing. What steps can you take to pursue reconciliation and honor the other person, even if it requires humility and sacrifice?

Day 5: The Mindset of Honor

Honor starts with our thoughts and is expressed through our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that our lives are shaped by our thoughts. We must consciously choose to honor others, not because they deserve it, but because God deserves it, and it enriches our lives. Our thoughts shape our actions, and by cultivating a mindset of honor, we align ourselves with God's heart and purpose. This mindset not only transforms our relationships but also deepens our walk with God. [19:12]

"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your thought patterns. Are there any negative or dishonoring thoughts you need to address? How can you replace them with thoughts that align with God's view of others?

Sermon Summary

Honor is a profound concept that adds value, worth, and weight to our lives and relationships. It is not something to be taken lightly, as it reflects the intrinsic value that God places on every individual. Just as a crumpled and dirty $100 bill retains its value, so do people, regardless of their circumstances or past mistakes. We are called to honor others not because they deserve it, but because God deserves it. When we honor His children, we honor Him. Unfortunately, our society has drifted into a culture of dishonor, devaluing human life and authority, which has led to societal consequences. As followers of Jesus, we must reclaim the principle of honor, understanding that it is a divine mandate.

The story of Jesus in His hometown of Nazareth illustrates how familiarity and offense can lead to dishonor. Despite His wisdom and miracles, the people were offended and refused to believe in Him, which limited His ability to perform miracles. This teaches us that dishonor can hinder the work of God in our lives. Similarly, Nelson Mandela's life exemplifies the power of honor and reconciliation over retribution. By choosing to honor those who wronged him, Mandela set a tone of unity and healing for a nation.

Honor begins in our minds but is given with our hearts. It requires us to see others through the lens of grace and to value them as God does. We must be careful with our thoughts, as they shape our behavior and ultimately our lives. Honor is not about respecting every decision made by those in authority but recognizing the position God has given them. It is a choice to lead with humility and to give more honor to others than to ourselves. As we do this, we not only lift others up but also honor God, enriching our own lives in the process.

Key Takeaways

1. The Value of Honor: Honor means to add value, worth, and weight to others, reflecting God's view of their intrinsic value. Even when people are crumpled by life, they retain their worth in God's eyes, and we are called to honor them as a reflection of honoring God. [01:15]
2. The Consequences of Dishonor: Our society suffers from a culture of dishonor, devaluing life and authority. This leads to societal consequences, as seen in Romans 13:2, where rebelling against authority is rebelling against God. We must return to a biblical understanding of honor to avoid these consequences. [03:19]
3. Familiarity and Offense: Familiarity and offense can lead to dishonor, as seen in Jesus' experience in Nazareth. When we become too familiar with someone, we may devalue them, and offense can cause us to spread dishonor. We must guard against these attitudes to maintain a spirit of honor. [14:30]
4. Reconciliation Over Retribution: Nelson Mandela's choice to honor those who wronged him illustrates the power of reconciliation over retribution. By leading with honor, we can sow seeds of unity and healing, impacting not only our lives but also those around us. [11:24]
5. Honor Begins in the Mind: Honor starts with our thoughts and is expressed through our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that our lives are shaped by our thoughts. We must consciously choose to honor others, not because they deserve it, but because God deserves it, and it enriches our lives. [19:12]
** [19:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:15] - The Meaning of Honor
[03:19] - Society's Culture of Dishonor
[06:10] - Jesus' Experience of Dishonor
[11:24] - Nelson Mandela's Example of Honor
[14:30] - Familiarity and Offense
[17:18] - Authority and Honor
[19:12] - Honor Begins in the Mind
[20:30] - Honor and God's Children
[23:08] - Humility and Honor
[24:15] - Eric Liddell's Story of Honor
[27:48] - Prayer and Commitment to Honor

Sermon Clips

1) "It's the same with honor. There are some people in your life, they've been pretty crumbled. They've been crumbled up. Life's kind of... They've been taking some hits. People in your life that, you know what? They've kind of got a little dirty. They've been stomped on a little bit. Had some things happen to them, but watch this. They've never lost their value and worth in God's sight. Are you following me today? Yes. Because that's the thing, is we think, oh, they're not good enough. But let me tell you something. God has never had that thought about your people in your life. He's never had that thought about you." [01:15] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "In other words, we don't honor people because they deserve it. We honor people because God deserves it. He deserves it. And when we honor his kids, all the people that you're sitting next to, guess what? We're really honoring him. We're really honoring him. So we got to think about that tape because if honor means to add value, if honor means to have worth, it means weight, then the opposite of honor is also true, and that is, check it out, dishonor. Dishonor. And this is what dishonor means, devaluing somebody, removing its worth, or taking lightly." [01:15] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "Could it be, I just believe this, could it be that we are suffering as a nation because we have become professionals at dishonoring other people? We've lost the value that God sees in people. We've removed the weight of people. And we think, oh, you know, honor, that's just an old -fashioned term. No, it's not. You know what it is? It's a term that's been formed by God. And what he makes, he makes really good. He makes really good. And he does it with intentionality and with purpose. And he wants us to know that he loves us enough, listen to me, he loves us enough to give us this beautiful principle called honor so that we would be blessed if we applied it to our lives." [11:24] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Honor begins in our minds, and it's given with our hearts, everybody. That's why I said earlier, how you doing in your heart? I mean, are you looking in there and saying, you know what? Here's the thing. You can look at a verse, and you're like, I know I'm supposed to honor people. I know I'm supposed to do that. Here's why. Because it's right here. My challenge for you today, for all of us, myself included, come on, can we just let it go down here? Come on, can it be given with our hearts? Not because they deserve it. Listen to me. Not because they deserve it. Because we don't deserve it. None of us are perfect. But because you're going to lead a life of honor, it's going to make a difference in your life. So you give it. Why? Because that's what you would want somebody to give you." [19:12] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "Let me say it this way. If you think you can honor God without honoring his kids, you're not reading the same Bible I'm reading. You just aren't. Okay? Don't get it confused. Honor. Let's lead with honor. So today, my challenge for you as we close today is to step out and to do something. It doesn't even have to be huge. It doesn't have to be massive. That's why today we're asking you to go to the breezeway and write a little note to the pastors that have made a difference in your life. Listen, we're humble enough and we know, we've done this long enough to know that you guys are going to forget what we say on Wednesday. We know this. Okay? We're not that prideful. We realize that. But maybe, just maybe, Jesus did something in your life at High Point Church or through one of the pastors on staff or you. You used somebody and he reached your heart. Write that down. Write that down." [20:30] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "When you do things, and that's what I'm calling you to do when you leave here, just whatever you do, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. I love that. It rhymes. And I'm big on that. When I'm a pastor, I'm like, this is the bumper sticker if I've ever seen it. Look at it. Do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Come on. Don't do that. Well, how am I supposed to live, pastor? Let's keep reading. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourself. Why in the world is this in scripture? You know why? Because it's planting seeds and reaping a harvest. When you act that way, when you let honor be your guide and your motivation in life, it's going to come back to you and it's going to bless you. It's going to enrich your life. That's why God wants it for you, everybody." [23:08] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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