Am I honorable?

Most of civilized society has historically seen the world through the lenses of "Honor/Shame". The Greeks, Romans, Jews and early Christians all regarded honor/dishonor as the primary axis of value for their culture.  Each had their own definitions of what constituted true honor.  The Christians, in particular, relied on the Scriptures, the example of Jesus Christ, and the leadership of the Apostles. 

Today much of the world continues to live by this axis of honor/dishonor and considers honor has one of the, if not THE primary virtues.

“Without integrity and honor, having everything means nothing.” Robin Sharma

Research reveals that during marital conflict a husband most often reacts when feeling disrespected and a wife reacts when feeling unloved. 7,000 people were asked this question: When you are in a conflict with your spouse or significant other, do you feel unloved or disrespected? 83% of the men said "disrespected..."

In his book, "Honor, Patronage, Kinship and Purity: Unlocking the New Testament Culture"  David A. deSilva

has profound observations about respect and honor.  He states that with respect an individual may regard himself or herself as a valuable member of a group and a follower of the values they esteem, but this is really "self-respect".  It is when the group they considers as significant values them, that they are truly honored. If deSilva is correct, there can be significant difference between respect and honor.  Of course the group that matters the most to the true Christian is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- also the crowd of many witnesses represented by those saints that have gone on before us. In addition we all should be active members in a vibrant Bible believing church.  Christians who are walking with the Lord will be discerning of character traits worthy rewarding in their body.

The Scripture has much to say about honor.  Here are a few of the highlights:

1. God is the primary One who is worthy of honor.

“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”

Ultimately God Himself deserves all the honor. As creator and sustainer of all things, any honor earned by His creation really belongs to Him. Revelation 4:11 (NASB95)

2. God himself bestows honor on those He deems worthy.

“If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.John 12:26 (NASB95)

The Lord Jesus specifically promises honor to those who follow Him faithfully.  The Father will be the one to determine and bestow this honor.

3. We are to honor those deserving of honor.

Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.Romans 13:7 (NASB95)

As a member of the community of Christ followers it is our responsibly to acknowledge and honor those who live according to the values we hold dear.  These values are first and foremost derived from Scripture and the example of the Lord Jesus Christ.

4. We are to honor all men.

Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

Because we are all created in the image of God there exists a basic respect and honor that should be shown to all people. 1 Peter 2:17 (NASB95)

Unfortunately the honor that comes from God is primarily reserved for when we stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10).  In the meantime it is easy to put too much dependence on the respect and honor that comes from people.  There are significant problems with this source.  It is often quite inconsistent.

1. It is fickle.  Think of the Lord Jesus at triumphal entry then at His trial.  In the space of a few short hours the crowd went from cheering Him with "Hosanna" to jeering Him and crying "Crucify him!".

2. It is fake (flattery) How often do others simply seek to flatter us for the benefit they may derive? 

They speak falsehood to one another; With flattering lips and with a double heart they speak. Psalm 12:2 (NASB95)

3. It is faulty.  Paul himself was misjudged in many ways by the Corinthians.  He pointed out how faulty were their evaluations. 

Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God. 1 Corinthians 4:1–5 (NASB95)

No one knows the hidden secrets of a person's heart, or the secret acts of heroism.  That's why it is so important to live before the Lord in an honorable way and trust Him for the ultimate words, "Well done thou good and faithful servant" (Mt 25:21) When faced with a moral or ethical choice we should ask ourselves, "What is the most honorable way to handle this situation?"  Many honorable decisions add up to an honorable life.