Honor – A Lost Virtue

Who do you show honor? Why do you show them honor? How can you become a person of honor? Should we even strive to live a life of honor? Is honor even necessary today?

Honor –noun
1. honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions: a man of honor.
2. a source of credit or distinction: to be an honor to one's family.
3. high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank: to be held in honor.
4. high public esteem; fame; glory: He has earned his position of honor.

–verb (used with object)
1. to hold in honor or high respect; revere: to honor one's parents.
2. to treat with honor.
3. to confer honor or distinction upon: The university honored him with its leadership award.
4. to show a courteous regard for: to honor an invitation

Today we have a mixed up idea of who deserves honor. We lift up sports figures because of their talents. Then are disappointed by the life that they lead out of the spotlight. We have become immune to the sin that is evident in their lives and wonder why there is no integrity in leadership anymore. We do not spend time honoring those around us that live a life of integrity. We use people to elevate ourself and take credit for what others have sacrificed for and expect others to honor us. Romans 12:9-10 (NIV) says “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” 2 Timothy 2:19 – 21 (New King James Version) says ‘Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. (V21)Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.’ Verse 21 in The Message says Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.

Take time to evaluate your life and then make a conscious effort to become that ‘vessel for honor’, the ‘kind of container God can use’. This can only happen when we choose to live a life of integrity and respect by always showing honor to others above youself.

~Debbie~