Honor is important in every relationship: with those who lead us, with our peers, and with those entrusted to our care. But the only way to walk in true honor is to first and foremost always honor God. Enduring honor is found only in valuing Him above anything or anyone else. Proverbs 3:9 sums it up with a simple command: “Honor the Lord” (NKJV).
We are to value, esteem, respect, and reverence God above all.
Our honor toward authorities, those on our level, and those we lead passes to Jesus, and ultimately to the Father. So when honoring people supersedes honoring and obeying God, it falls under the label of fading honor or idolatry, rather than enduring honor.
Fading honor isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it masquerades as behavior that seems good. For example, we may think we’re honoring someone when we avoid a confrontation that might lead to discomfort or conflict. Those in positions of leadership are especially prone to fall into this trap. But true honor isn’t merely keeping the peace between people. Jesus never said, “Blessed are the peacekeepers”; rather, He told us, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9 NKJV).
What’s the difference? A peacekeeper will compromise truth in order to maintain a false sense of peace. In essence, this is honoring someone we see over the One we don’t see.
On the other hand, a peacemaker confronts, if need be, to have true peace. They love others and God enough to have difficult conversations when an error or concern needs to be addressed. This is true honor, an honor that causes us to esteem God more than we fear other people.
Have you been practicing peacekeeping or peacemaking with the people you influence? Does your approach to peace reveal a flawed form of honor? Take some time to pray about this today. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what it means to truly honor Him—and others—when it’s easier to keep the peace. What is He telling you?
Adapted from Honor’s Reward: How to Attract God’s Favor and Blessing (Faith Words, 2007).
