Cutting to the chase… Adhering to the scripture, which means obeying the Word, makes a demand on the way we speak to another. It presses us into banner subjects such as Honor, Respect, and Recognition. I am often reluctant to speak such things as it can be seen as self-serving. However, the lack of kindness through language is a damage not soon repaired by omission. If pulpits withhold scripture out of concern with how the Word is received, the hearer will be led by a secular culture devoid of righteous instruction.
To be clear, Respect and Honor have fallen on hard times. Open criticisms, personal opinions, innuendos, and gossip have all been encouraged by social media. The end result is hatred, indifference, and disorder.
On multiple occasions, Solomon wrote of those who were right in their own mind. Prov 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. When Judges 21 was written, it referred to the absence of authority: Judg 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
According to the Bible, honoring our fathers and mothers is one of the 10 commandments. Paul wrote: Eph 6:2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; But as we know, this command has been forgotten. The issue is that when there is no respect at home, there is no respect at church, school, work, or community.
The Bible says, that we should honor one another (Rom 12:10). Peter wrote that every husband should honor their own wife (1 Pet 3:7). Honor all people (1 Pet 2:17). Paul wrote: 1 Tim 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed. Paul was speaking about action and care. Furthermore, he taught: 1 Tim 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. This verse has been virtually removed from congregations all over our country. Preachers act like hirelings and people treat them like employees.
Finally, the Bible instructs us to care for our bodies: 1 Th 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; This is God’s command. It is speaking to drugs, alcohol, overeating, lack of exercise, lack of sleep and rest, and so much more. We must respect the temple that God gave us!
The enemy of our soul is fighting against us on every front. However, if we embrace patience, kindness, recognition for authority and one another, we will build an impenetrable wall against the flagrancy of the world. Lastly, we are not of this world. We are of God and we must live accordingly.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole