Honor

I love Sunday mornings! For as long as I can remember, I was excited about being at church. When I was a kid, I would even walk to church – snow, rain or shine – even though my family didn’t attend. I just loved being there.

As soon as I was old enough to serve, I did. I helped in Sunday School, sang in the choir, and made toast for the Easter Sunrise Breakfast.

Throughout the years, I’ve had lots of opportunities to serve, on a variety of teams, at a variety of churches. All of them have been great, but my favorite team is the one I serve on now – Hospitality.

Hospitality is all about creating an environment where people feel welcomed so that they can more easily connect with Jesus. Our team motto is: “give people a good experience, so they can have a God-experience.” Being part of this team means coming to church with the thought, “it’s not about me.” That’s not always easy, especially if I’ve had a rough week, but knowing that how I treat others can impact their eternity usually refocuses me quickly!

When we focus on others, something incredible happens – both they and God are honored.
Honor means to regard with great respect or high esteem. It’s recognizing that each person is created in the image of God, and therefore, as an image-bearer, we should do our best to encourage, appreciate, and value them. Honor goes beyond our own feelings or what we think someone deserves. Instead, it follows the example of Jesus.

There are a lot of ways to honor others, but here are a few that I’ve found really effective.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

This passage is a great reminder that we’re called to serve others because Jesus served us first.

• What would life be like if everyone was trying to out-serve each other?
• How could you serve your family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers this week?
• What is one action you could take that would help you focus on someone else’s needs?

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

One of the greatest ways we can honor others is with our words. Choosing to speak kindly about people can deeply impact their life. But don’t stop with just being kind.

• Is there someone you can publicly appreciate for their character?
• Who is a leader in your life that you can thank for all of their behind-the-scenes work?
• What would be the most encouraging thing for your coworker/spouse/child to hear?

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” (Philippians 2:14-15)

Choosing not to grumble can be pretty challenging, but it’s also one of the best ways to honor others. Why? Because grumbling tears down, but honoring builds up.

• How could you respond differently when things don’t go your way?
• What would it look like for you to stay positive instead of complaining?
• How could you use your attitude to change the culture of your family or workplace?

Honor isn’t easy, but it’s worth it because it helps us become more like Jesus. Whether it’s in action, words, or attitude, honoring each other shows the world who Jesus is (1 John 4:11-12) and expresses our love for God (1 John 5:3).