Cultivating Honor

 

I will honor others because they are made in the image of God.

Verses

Genesis 1:27

So God created human beings in his own image.
    In the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

Romans 12:10

 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

God, it is hard to believe you made us in your own image. If we let that soak into our minds, how would that change the way we treat those we’re in a relationship with and interact with each day?

Might we be more thoughtful about our words? Would we think twice about that off-the-cuff comment or unnecessary critique? Would we put aside our own needs and choose to serve, even though it’s uncomfortable?

God forgive us for not showing genuine affection to those you’ve called us to love. Forgive us for not taking delight in honoring the men and women made in your image.

Transform our thinking about honor so that our actions and words might be in line with your Word and call. 

In the Strong Name of Jesus, Amen.

We choose to honor one another because we're made in His image.

What do you think it means to honor others, especially because they are made in the image of God?

I really hadn’t considered the concept of biblical honor until attending an assembly at my children’s elementary school years ago. The principal took the microphone and explained to the children what honor looks like in the context of school life. He described honor as telling the truth and obeying the teacher, listening attentively to peers and not making fun of one another. I found my thoughts rewinding to my own childhood, wondering what would have happened if honor had been the driving force not only in my school experience but especially in my family.

Wouldn’t you agree that there’s really no place for screaming and yelling, the silent treatment and eye rolling in a relationship that is defined by honor? 

Choosing to honor each other sets the tone and parameters for communicating in a respectful, thoughtful, healthy, and holy way.

For honor to become a priority, we have to believe it’s not just a good idea but rather it’s a call by God.

We choose to honor one another because we’re made in His image.

Believing that truth actually changes everything. For example, my daughter faced one of the most difficult decisions of her life, after stumbling upon social media bullying by her school mates. As a leader in her school, she felt it was her duty to respond. But it was the deepest part of her convictions that motivated her actions. She felt her peers crossed a line, because, in her words, “I don’t care whether they don’t like her. She is the Imageo Deo, and because of that, her life has value.”

Yes, all those years of Latin along, a handful of great Bible teachers, and the work of the Holy Spirit opened my daughter’s eyes to the unchangeable truth that we are indeed made in the image of God. Because of that, she couldn’t stand by. Because of that, she had to find a way to bring honor back to a classmate who wasn’t even her friend.

There is a reason God calls us to remember that we are made in His image and urges us to love each other with genuine affection, taking delight in honoring one another — it’s because is it simply not in our nature. In our flesh, we are more prone to wounding one another than acting kindly, respectfully, and lovingly. But by His grace, we can beg the Spirit to override our nature, so that we can embrace the call to treat all with honor for the glory of God.

Is it a struggle to treat others with honor? How could you move in this direction through keeping at the forefront of your mind the Imago Dei?


 

Brave Together: A Conversation Starter for Cultivating Biblical Mentoring Relationships

To continue this journey of living brave and inviting the next generation to join you in the journey, get a copy of Brave Together: A Conversation Starter for Cultivating Biblical Mentoring Relationships.

Available in paperback on Amazon or click the button to purchase the downloadable PDF version.

[purchase_link id=”29428″ text=”Add to Cart” style=”button” color=”dark-gray”]

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Question? 

We're here to help you!

CONTACT US

This is the one thing that will help you find what you need.

Drop us your name and email so that we can send you the Align Life Strategy workbook. 

Scroll to Top