Cleansing Stream Ministries
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Honor

In the past year, I have had the joy and blessing of learning how to have a lifestyle of honoring God and others. I believe pop culture has done away with a lot of "old school" values and replaced it with empty "random acts of kindness" philosophies. We currently live in a society that is lacking in love, value, respect, grace, and due diligence. However, you and I are called to be world changers and history makers that are bringing the Kingdom of heaven here on earth; therefore, behaving ourselves in a manner contrary to the norms of society. We've been designed to have Eternal intentions.

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love,

in honor giving preference to one another." Romans 12:10


How is 'Honor' Defined?

Honor can be quickly defined as glory, beauty, precious, price, praise, and value. Think about that for a moment, who in our lives do we praise? What kind of value do we place on those that surround us? What price have we placed on those we look up to? Do we see the "beauty of the Lord" in other? When we begin to look at others with having honor we'll see them through God's eyes. We'll begin to see the wonderful ways God has uniquely made people. He'll allow us to see how He's wired and gifted them. Wow! Looking at God and people with honor will begin to change our perspective of how we treat others and how we want to be treated. I have personally witnessed and experienced a fresh release of grace, unity, and anointing that has softened even the hardest of situations!

There are biblical examples throughout the Old and New Testament regarding the meaning of honor. God receives honor from everyone and everything, from His creations. Kings like David, Solomon, Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah received honor for their righteous acts (1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, and 2 Chronicles). Ordinary people like Jael (Judges 4:9) and Mordecai (Esther 6) received honor after spoiling an assassination plot. And in the New Testament, we are instructed to honor everyone as having the same mind that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 12:10, Philippians 2:3-8).

Who are we to give honor to?

In John 5:22-23 that we are to give God honor always and in all things. Give Him all the praise, honor, and glory due to His name? In the Ten Commandments we are told to "honor thy father and they mother" (Deuteronomy 5:16). Leviticus 19:32 and 1 Timothy 5:17 calls us to honor our elders. Romans 12:10 and 1 Peter 2:17 calls us to honor one another and all people.

While learning about honor, God challenged me to honor those He placed upon my heart. I was obedient and had the joy of watching our Father touch people's lives with His love. It was so much fun to be a part of His plan. He has called you and me to not only read His Word but to put it into action (1 John 3:18).

 

How do we honor God and others?

There are so many different ways to honor the Lord. The Psalms are full of prayers and songs about who He is and what He has done for us and the children of Israel. In the simplest manner, we can honor God through our time, talents, and tithing (Proverbs 3:9). What He desires the most is our worship.

"He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me"   Psalm 50:23


The book of Esther is a wonderful example of the "how to honor" process. In the 6th chapter of Esther, we see that King Xerxes could not sleep and asked for reading of his chronicles. The king then asks what recognition and honor has been given to Mordecai in uncovering the assassination plot on the king's life. In walks Haman, enemy of Mordecai and the Jews, with a most extravagant suggestion supposing the honor was for himself. He was devastated when given strict orders by the king to carry out his suggestion for Mordecai the Jew. As it turned out, Mordecai was given respect and honor instead of Haman, even though Haman's scheme was to discredit and dishonor his enemy. Isn't God amazing? The very thing the enemy is trying to bring against us, God turns around and makes a blessing. Yes God!

The example given to us is this:

Honoring others can be done in like manner. Through this brief definition of honor, reflect on when or how God has blessed you through another person. Take the time to send a thank you or "thinking of you" note. Give a gift. Little tokens or gift cards are popular, a homemade goodie, or surprise of some sort always makes someone feel loved and appreciated. Lastly, taking the time to say good words about someone always brings about lasting edification.

We want to take this time to say we honor, value, and appreciate your partnering with us. Your relationship with Cleansing Stream Ministries through love, prayer, and financial support is changing lives around the world and affecting countless generations.

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise,

be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen!" 1 Timothy 1:17

-Maryann Young

*MaryAnn Young is the National Intercessor Coordinator for Cleansing Stream Ministries.