Honor to Whom Honor

by Tony Huddleston

Romans 13:7

Are these scenarios familiar?

1) A child talks disrespectfully to a parent.
2) Someone takes God's name in vain.
3) A child fails to show respect for a school teacher or an administrator by disobeying or being disruptive.
4) A co-worker or acquaintance shows disrespect for a person in authority, such as a policeman or an elected official.

These behaviors are all too common in our society. The movies and television sitcoms do little to encourage acceptable behavior, and more often than not, present bad behavior as normal. How many times have we seen movies depicting children saying all kinds of disrespectful things to adults, with no indication of disapproval? These actions are not "cute" or "funny".

The scriptures have much to say about respect. It is usually referred to as honor by the inspired writers, and we are told who is to receive that honor. When we show disrespect for someone the Bible says we should honor, we have sinned. Who does the Lord tell us to honor?

1) Parents -- "For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother:..." Matthew 15:4

2) Fellow Christians -- "Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." 1 Peter 2:17

3) Government authorities -- "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." Romans 13:7

4) Widows and the elderly -- "Honour widows that are widows indeed."
1 Timothy 5:3

5) The Lord -- "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Timothy 1:17

Can we change the world? Perhaps not, but through our daily Christian conduct, the world can see Jesus living in us.

• Train Up a Child -Dec 16, 2007
• It's Not Your Father's Choice Whom You Serve -Oct 02, 2005
• New Eyes -Jun 12, 2005
• A Dirty Dozen To Avoid -May 22, 2005
• Who's Driving? -Apr 24, 2005