Honor & Respect
I know what it is like to be shown honor and respect. My kids have shown me both. Now, I must confess that there are times when I was shown neither by my kids and it was a pretty frustrating feeling. I believe that both honor and respect is earned more than demanded or commanded. I also believe as a parent that honor and respect is a two-way street. As a parent – the one in authority, I should still show respect and honor for my child.
In Malachi, the prophet speaks a lot about respect and honor for the Lord. In chapter 3 is the famous challenge the Lord makes to see if we will trust Him with our giving. I believe my giving reflects the honor and respect that I have for the Lord. The Lord welcomes honor and respect, because He’s certainly earned it. He has shown me mercy and grace when I deserved punishment – He’s certainly earned my honor and respect. Check this out….
16 Then those who honored the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened and heard them. The names of those who honored the Lord and respected him were written in his presence in a book to be remembered. 17 The Lord All-Powerful says, “They belong to me; on that day they will be my very own. As a parent shows mercy to his child who serves him, I will show mercy to my people. 18 You will again see the difference between good and evil people, between those who serve God and those who don’t. (Malachi 3:16-18 NCV)I really want my name written in His book. I want my life to scream out honor and respect for the Lord. I don’t want my honor and respect for Him to be empty, shallow words. I want the actions of my life to show deep respect and the highest honor to Him. He is the One Who made me and shaped my life. He is the One Who blesses me daily. He is the One Who showers me with mercy and grace every day. He loves me without conditions and strings attached. He doesn’t want me to bring harm to myself so He provides instructions and boundaries to direct my path. I want my words, my actions and my thoughts to bring honor and respect to the Lord!
Pressing On! Dwayne