Fulfilling Honor

via TJC

“They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Our theme this week was fulfillment; man was booted out of Eden- losing honor, we anticipate our return - filled with honor. 

So the question is do we really live like that?  Specifically, do we honor others? Do I honor myself as that new creation?

In the body of Christ we are to honor every member, as we all reflect God’s image and dignity. But our culture hardly reflects honor, which in the Greek means to place high value. We are called to “Honor all men”; to honor leaders, to honor our bosses at work, to honor widows, spouses, elders and those we don’t like. We are called to stop talking when an elderly gray haired person enters a room and acknowledge that person. Tell me when you last saw that happen? Do I do that? It is easy to use the wrong lens and see with prejudice, lust, cheap value. 

Looking in the mirror - aging helps as I’ve seen many seasons change my reflection- both physically and spiritually. I have walked with a facade at times; saying I honor my wife, but would look at porn; dishonoring her and my own sexuality - accepting counterfeit versus authentic. I was/am driven by performance; at work, sports, hobbies. The idea of enjoying something without pressing hard is extremely challenging for me; but hitting my 60s those prior expectations suck to compare now. 

So, I’m challenged with today's scriptures to bring in glory and honor.  But I pause, and in that reflection of myself - I see a loving and happy wife.  I see wonderful children with strong families, successful careers, and lives focused on Christ.  I see my grandchildren learning and using scripture proudly.  I see the impact of sharing things like TJC, with many men, and hearing about changed lives. I see the bad fruit thrown away and the honor of great fruit ripening. 

Daily Battle Order:

Take a hard look at yourself in a mirror, do you see honor reflected in those eyes? Imagine the spiritual wall lifted up against spiritual attacks, and the power you would have in your daily walk by seeing yourself and others with honor.