The Way of Honor

Happy Mother's Day!

May 12, 2024

The Way of Honor

For the very special people in our lives who have not only brought us into this world but have also nurtured and cared for us in countless ways, we have a special opportunity today to give honor. When considering what this will look like, it’s helpful to gain an understanding of honor itself. Honor is elevating the value of someone based on their position, merit, performance, or service. With every ascension of value, though, honor goes on to express this value appreciation through some type of gift. Giving something that is valuable to the honoree is a statement to them of this perceived worth. Most mothers have an appreciation for flowers, money, or eating out. There are many other things, however, that are precious to them, like loving words, gentle touch, acts of caring or service, or maybe just time. Just because honor is given in one area of worth doesn’t exclude other areas from needing provision and care. As it is stated that 33.5 billion dollars will be spent this year for Mother’s Day it would seem that mothers are indeed receiving an ample supply of honor. However, the giving of a financial honor doesn’t negate the need for another gift that might actually carry much greater value to the precious mothers. Just spending some money without spending any time or expressing affection and care may result in a greater perception of dishonor than honor.

Honor of God is not just magnifying His recognized value through offerings and our time, but each expression of honor to Him allows for that area of worth to become more effectively applied in one’s own life. Honoring Him with our time makes way for filling every moment of our lives with the power of His presence. The greatness of God isn’t changed – just His perception and reception. As honor is critical in applying the promises of God in life, there is a great opportunity for its development by covering in some way each area that is a treasure to a mother. Honor is the gift of something that is of worth to them, whether monetary or physical. With faithful giving to their heart’s worth will come faithfulness to the things of eternal significance as well. Sensitivity to their valuation and care will develop this same sense with regard to what God values and how it may be honored. What a powerful opportunity is ours in the precious giving of honor to all the treasured mothers in our lives today.

Notes

Honor qualifications/benefits

Ephesians 6:2-3 (NLT) 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

John 19:26-27 (NLT) 26 When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.

What is honor?

The recognition and provision of value:

  • Time – Psalms 84:10 One day is better
  • Affection – Psalm 27:4 One thing
  • Attention – Psalm 27:8 Seek Your face
  • Listen – Hebrews 3:7-8 Listen and heed/respond
  • Love – 1 Peter 4:8 Love covers
  • Financial – Proverbs 3:9-10 First increase

Is one honor enough?

Mark 7:5-13 (NLT) 5 So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, “Why don’t your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony.” 6 Jesus replied, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’ 8 For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.” 9 Then he said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition. 10 For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’ 11 But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ 12 In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents. 13 And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.”

The way of honor developed with mothers – to others

Philippians 2:1-4 (NLT) 1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Honor to the Unseen established in the one we see.

1 Timothy 1:17 (NKJV) 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Overview:

  • There is a way of honor that is developed in our relationship with our mothers.
  • Honor enables blessing and prosperity in every other aspect of life.
  • Honor is the recognition of perceived value for someone and a commitment to provide it.
  • Giving honor in one way doesn’t nullify the remaining need for honor.
  • The way to the honor of God does not bypass the honor of our nearest caregiver.
  • From Him, we gain an understanding of the ways to develop in honor with our mothers.
  • The way of honor will not be exclusive but validated and displayed in each relationship with the body.
  • An atmosphere of honor for the presence of God is established in a treasured honor for mothers.

Prayer:

As I draw near to You now because of the honor You’ve extended to me in Christ, reveal to me how I can grow in that same honor for mine and other mothers in my life. Cause my heart to be transformed in valuing what they value and committing myself to providing that honor in their lives. Be honored and glorified through me in this way today.

Declarations:

  • The God of Creation has honored me greatly with the treasures of mercy, grace, forgiveness, and an abundant life in Christ, which includes everything I need.
  • He has given me this same nature of honor and a precious representative of Him in the gift of my mother and others in His body that help me develop in this honor.
  • I am eager to discover the areas that are of value to them so that I can be a part of providing them.
  • I welcome this way of honor displayed in all my relationships and the blessing I will get to participate in.
  • The way to the honored presence of the Lord is established with each honor given to the precious mothers in my life.