Church & State | Week 3 | Pastor Mike Stephens

Choosing Honor in a Divided World

In a time where political tensions run high and divisive rhetoric prevails, Pastor Mike Stephens encourages us to embrace the biblical principle of honor. This week’s message explores how honoring others, even those we disagree with, can transform our relationships and our communities.

Understanding the Concept of Honor

To truly grasp the essence of honor, we must first define what it means. At its core, honor involves regarding or treating someone with admiration and respect. However, when we delve deeper into its original Greek context, the term ‘timao’ emerges. This word conveys the notion of valuing, respecting, or holding someone in high esteem. It suggests treating individuals as precious, weighty, or valuable.

In today’s society, where dishonor seems rampant, many individuals grapple with feelings of worthlessness. This lack of value contributes to rising anxiety and depression rates. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to counteract this culture of dishonor by actively adding value to those around us. This principle is beautifully articulated in Romans 12:10, which instructs us to be devoted to one another in love and to honor one another above ourselves.

Understanding the Concept of Honor

The Challenge of Honoring Others

Honoring others becomes particularly challenging when we encounter individuals who do not exhibit honorable behavior. It’s easy to honor someone we admire or respect. However, what happens when those in authority—be it a boss, a leader, or even a political figure—fail to meet our expectations? In these situations, we often find ourselves choosing sides, determining who is worthy of our honor and who is not.

In contemporary politics, we frequently hear phrases like “not my president,” which clearly indicate a refusal to honor individuals we disagree with. This mindset can extend to governors, local officials, and even fellow citizens. The Bible, however, challenges us to honor everyone, regardless of our personal opinions.

The Challenge of Honoring Others

Honoring Authority: A Biblical Perspective

1 Peter 2:17 provides us with crucial guidance on this topic: “Show proper respect for everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” This verse emphasizes the importance of honor, even for those in authority who may not seem deserving of it. Peter’s instruction to honor the emperor is particularly striking given the historical context in which he wrote. During his time, the emperor Nero was notorious for his hostility towards Christians, yet Peter still called for respect.

This context heightens the significance of Peter’s message. It serves as a reminder that our call to honor is not contingent upon the behavior or reputation of those in authority. Instead, it is rooted in our commitment to God and His commandments.

Honoring Authority: A Biblical Perspective

Examples of Honor in the Bible

Throughout the Scriptures, we see numerous examples of individuals who exemplified honor in challenging circumstances. David’s relationship with King Saul illustrates this perfectly. Despite Saul’s jealousy and attempts on David’s life, David referred to him as “the Lord’s anointed” and chose to spare his life. This act of honor demonstrated David’s deep respect for God’s chosen authority, regardless of Saul’s actions.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 13:1, where he urges believers to be subject to governing authorities, as all authority is established by God. This principle doesn’t imply blind obedience; rather, it calls for a posture of respect and recognition of the roles these authorities play in society.

Examples of Honor in the Bible

Implications of Living with Honor

Choosing to honor others, even in difficult situations, has profound implications for our lives. Firstly, it adds to our faith. In Mark 6:1-5, we learn that Jesus could not perform miracles in His hometown due to the lack of honor shown to Him. This lack of faith stemmed from familiarity, where people struggled to see beyond their prior knowledge of Jesus as just a carpenter. Their dishonor resulted in missed opportunities for miracles.

When we honor those around us, we open ourselves to the possibility of experiencing God’s power in our lives and communities. This act of honoring can lead to transformation, not only in our relationships but also in our personal faith journeys.

Implications of Living with Honor

The Value of Honor in Our Lives

Understanding the value of honor is essential for fostering a healthy community and maintaining strong relationships. Honor is not merely a social nicety; it is foundational to our interactions with others. When we choose to honor those around us, we invite a culture of respect, trust, and mutual encouragement.

Honor acts as a catalyst for personal growth and collective unity. When we recognize the inherent value in others, we create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated. This is particularly crucial in today’s divided world, where division often overshadows our common humanity.

The Value of Honor in Our Lives

Honor and Personal Growth

Choosing to honor others often leads to personal growth. It challenges us to rise above our biases and preconceived notions. For instance, when we honor our leaders, even those we may not agree with, we cultivate a spirit of humility and openness. This not only enhances our character but also enriches our relationships with others.

Moreover, honoring others can lead to unexpected opportunities and blessings in our lives. Just as the Roman Centurion demonstrated great faith by honoring Jesus, we too can experience breakthroughs when we honor those in authority and our peers alike.

Honor and Personal Growth

Building a Culture of Honor

Creating a culture of honor starts with intentionality. It requires us to be proactive in recognizing and appreciating the contributions of others. Here are a few ways to cultivate this culture:

  • Express Gratitude: Regularly thank those around you for their contributions, no matter how small.
  • Speak Positively: Use your words to uplift and encourage others, avoiding gossip or negative talk.
  • Show Respect: Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their status or your personal feelings towards them.

Implementing these practices can shift the atmosphere of any environment, whether at home, in the workplace, or within your community.

Building a Culture of Honor

Honor in Relationships

Honor plays a pivotal role in our relationships. It helps us navigate conflicts more effectively and fosters deeper connections. When we approach disagreements with a mindset of honor, we prioritize understanding and reconciliation over being right. This approach not only strengthens our bonds but also reflects the love and grace we receive from God.

In marriage or family dynamics, honoring one another can diffuse tension and promote unity. It encourages open communication and vulnerability, allowing relationships to flourish. The biblical principle of honoring our parents serves as a foundational lesson, teaching us respect and love within the family unit.

Honor in Relationships

Conclusion and Call to Action

In conclusion, embracing the principle of honor is vital for our personal growth and the health of our relationships. It invites us to see the value in others and to act accordingly, fostering a culture of respect and love. As we move forward, let us commit to choosing honor in every interaction.

Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you can practice more honor? Perhaps it’s in your workplace, your home, or even in how you engage on social media. Challenge yourself to honor those around you, especially those who may be difficult to honor.

Let’s be a community that reflects God’s love by honoring everyone, regardless of our differences. Together, we can create a ripple effect that transforms not only our lives but also the lives of those around us.