How, When, and Who to Honor?

Every soldier in the U.S. Army, receives a SMART book during basic training which explains how, when, and who to honor.

Who should be honored?

Drill Sergeants instruct soldiers to salute officers and authorized civilians of higher rank. All soldiers are expected to show respect. To do otherwise brings disgrace to your branch of service.

When we honor people we are regarding them with great respect. The bible states respect everyone and love your Christian brothers and sisters (1 Peter 2:17 NLT).

However sometimes we give certain people higher degrees of honor. For example, we often stand to attention when the President enters the room. Rooms burst into thunderous applause as government leaders and rock stars approach the microphone to speak on a stage.

But only one is worthy of the highest regard of honor.

You are worthy our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being (Rev 4:11 NLT).

We should honor the perfect divine son of the One true God, because Jesus redeemed us.

When is the right time to honor?

Soldiers stand at attention whenever they hear the bugle call of the Reveille in the morning. Even at the end of the day when the bugle sounds during Retreat everyone stops working in order to render the proper honor. Service members driving vehicles, will stop and exit in order to render their salute.

When the Lord spoke to Moses in Exodus 34:2, He told him to be ready in the morning and present himself to Him. I can’t help but notice that the manna that the Lord supplied was only available in the morning, but as the sun grew hot it melted away (Exodus 16:21 NIV).

Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:35). Are we missing out if we wait til the end of the day to connect with our Lord and Savior?

If we choose to connect with our Heavenly Father after busy workdays, we are in good company. “And after he (Jesus) had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone” (Matthew 14:23 ESV).

How can we Honor Jesus?

We honor Jesus when we obey him.

We honor Him when we choose to spend time alone with Him. It can be as simple as taking as walk. Giving thanks, laying down your worries, and sharing your heart with Him.

We can also honor him by showing reverence to his name, word, and commands.

Actively listen to his Word.

Worship Him.

The Procession to Honor

Even civilians have traditions to honor their leaders. During Dr. Georgia Lorenz’s inauguration at Seminole State College, friends, faculty, and community members all stood to show respect as she walked at the front of the procession followed by faculty and staff in their academic regalia.

Standing at attention while listening to the musical instruments, reminded me of the following verse:

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere ( 2 Cor 2:14 ESV).

Jesus is victoriously leading and I am blessed to be part of his triumphal procession. If you have accepted Lord Jesus as your Savior then you are part of the procession too.

Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume (2 Corinthians 2:15-16 NLT).

Call to Action

Think back on yesterday’s schedule. Reflect on how, when, and who you are honoring.

May I Pray for you?

Heavenly Father, we praise you because you alone are worthy of glory and honor.

We thank you for your Spirit of Truth who teaches us to esteem you above all others.

I ask that you place the desire in our heart to connect with you in the morning and at the end of each day. Remove any faulty thinking and help us to obey. May we show reverence to your name and actively listen to your word. Place a song of worship on our tongues and give of courage to speak to others how you have redeemed and restored our lives.

In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

Connect with Me:

Timing is everything!

That’s why I’m excited to invite you to a live training hosted by my writing friend Emily P. Freeman.

It’s called “Is Now the Time to Write Your Book?”

You can sign up here

I hope to see you there!

-April

Feel free to comment on this page about how you honor God. I’m certain your words will be encouraging to another reader.
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