What does it mean to “Honor?”

Honor and respect are not exact equals.  We have seen what respect is, but what does it mean to honor?  Considering that we are called to honor: The Lord, our fathers and mothers, widows, elders, masters, all men, and (husbands listen up)our wives; we should make sure we understand what it means.

Honor:  to render what is due; what is required; what has been earned; what rightfully belongs to; to hold in high esteem and value

Honor is a two way street.  It recognizes what is due.  When we honor a contract or our word we recognize that this is exactly what it is.  Honor is not false respect, or even respect at all.  It is acknowledgement of ownership.  It is reciprocation.

When the Lord bestows upon us something we hold it in high esteem and value to demonstrate its value.  Why?  Because that is what is due.

But to honor a person is to render what is required, what has been earned, what rightfully belongs.  When a wretch of a person treats us terribly (say an abuse parent or spouse) we are not called to respect them… but to give then what they have earned.  Thankfully, we are also called to Mercy (the old check-and-balance of the Kingdom), which is withholding the bad or judgment deserved.  When honor would kick someone in the pants, mercy offers them a seat.

But don’t let the enemy, or anyone who agrees with him, convince you that you need to give preference to evil people just because of who they are.

When we honor the Lord with our first fruits we are merely giving Him what rightfully belongs to Him.  Makes sense doesn’t it?  It isn’t ours… we aren’t giving it to Him… we are giving it back to Him.  We are honoring Him.

Our wives… the own us.  We are for them.  Just as they are for us.  We honor them by giving them our lives… the lives that have meaning because they are in it.  We MUST hold them in high esteem and value for they are a gift from the Lord.  When we don’t do it we are sinning against the Lord.

Honor the Lord.

Hold Him in high esteem.

Give Him all that He is worthy of… all that is already rightfully His.

SDG