02/12/2008
Romans 12:9 - 10 (HCSB)
9Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. 10Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Romans 12:17 - 18 (HCSB)
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. 18If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.
How does one show honor to another? Have you ever honored anyone? Have you ever been honored? Aside from receiving awards publicly, our society has lost the art of showing honor. When a friend enters your house, do you show them honor?
In ancient times this was common practice. For instance the dinner table was a place marked by seats of honor and rank. One seat was always reserved for the guest of honor. The seat to the right was the second most honored seat and that to the left, the third. Other traditions were common in showing honor, like washing the feet of your guest. Keep in mind that in a time when socks were unheard of and one’s feet would be weary from a journey that washing the feet was not only a sign of humility on the part of the host, but a quite refreshing treat for the guest.
In our society, we are so focused on our own dignity and status that we seldom stop to think about honoring others. When guests enter our house, we may take their coats, but this is simple courtesy. What do we do to truly honor our guests?
It also seems as if vengeance is mandatory. We esteem ourselves so highly that if anyone damages our self-image, we feel the need to vehemently defend our position. But the Bible says quite the opposite. By honoring others, we humble ourselves. By restraining ourselves from vengeance, we also humble ourselves. (Remember that humbling ones-self is not the same as humiliating ones-self.)
Imagine a world in which everyone saw everyone else as higher in position than themselves? Jesus lived a humble life. Although He was due all glory and worship of men, he did not even ask for it. In His example, we see a man who considered others first.
Can we set aside our cultural mandate for self-exaltation and strive to outdo each other with honor? How can you show honor? Look for things you can do that are unexpected; things that are considered “below” your position – that you can do for others. You can run small errands or menial tasks.
Look for opportunities today to show honor to those around you. They may not say anything, but I guarantee, you will make an impression.
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
©2008 Cleff Publishing, all rights reserved.
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