When I was in high school, I didn’t want to be just average. When report cards came out, I scanned them, hoping to find nothing below an “A.” I was always on the National Honor Society list.
Starting in grade school, I always sought to be the best at everything, and I was rewarded with certificates, medals and ribbons for various things throughout my school years. There’s something fulfilling about being called out and honored.
Now, as a Christian, is it OK to aim for honor? I know we are supposed to honor God, but what about Him honoring us? It probably seems silly to ask that, because of course we know that all honor goes to Him, and it seems too selfish to want honor in return. However, look with me at something here.
You know the analogy the Bible makes of Christians, or the church, as the bride of Christ. He is the bridegroom or husband. We are his espoused wife or bride. Now look at this: Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. (1 Pet. 3:7) This is our first clue about honor for the bride—us. That’s how I got to thinking about this whole thing. Here’s an Old Testament prophetic spin on this: For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee. (Isa. 62:5)
God rejoicing over us? God honoring us? Honor is a good opinion or exalted state. It is reverence and showing deference for the other person. God would do that for us?
How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? (John 5:44) At first I want to shield my eyes. No. We are supposed to honor God. He doesn’t honor us, does He? It’s hard to imagine, but read: For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. (2 Cor. 10:18)
If we allow ourselves to consider that God could and, in fact, wants to honor us, then it begs the question, how do you get honor from God? I find three ways.
- But now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. (1 Sam. 2:30b)
- If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. (John 12:26)
- That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1 Pet 1:7)
God honors those who honor Him, those who serve Him and those who pass the trial of their faith. At the judgment seat of Christ, wouldn’t you love the honor of hearing, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matt. 25:21)? It’s all something to think about.
Jody
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