By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4 NKJV
God promises honor to those who pursue godliness by living in humility and the fear of the Lord. This means that to retain honor and its rewards, we must remain humble in spirit. No matter how abundantly God blesses us, remember, there is nothing we have that we weren’t given!
Throughout his life, the Apostle Paul referred to himself as the “least of the apostles,” “least of all the saints,” and “chief of sinners.” He never forgot where he came from, and he never forgot this eternal truth: whatever he had, God had given it to him. For this reason Paul wrote, “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV).
When we live humbly before God, we will not lose what we’ve labored for. As Scripture says, “Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward” (2 John 8 NKJV). Elsewhere we are exhorted, “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor” (Proverbs 29:23 NKJV, emphasis added).
We will maintain, as well as grow in, honor if we live in the fear of the Lord and walk in true humility. How can you practice this approach to life?
Here are a couple ideas:
First, when you receive blessing or favor, remind yourself that it is a gift from your heavenly Father. Pause to thank Him for the goodness He has displayed in your life.
Second, when you interact with others—whether they are in authority over you, are your peers, or have been entrusted to your care—remember that God honored them profoundly through the sacrifice of His Son. Follow His example and honor them too.
When you live this way you will gain honor, enjoy its rewards, and retain the rewards you receive!
Adapted from Honor’s Reward: How to Attract God’s Favor and Blessing (Faith Words, 2007).
