I Timothy 5:1-25
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. I Timothy 5:15 (NKJV)
How we honor one other is extremely important. It affects the entire atmosphere. Five groups are mentioned in this passage as worthy of honor. They are 1. Older men (vs. 1), 2. Younger men (vs. 1), 3. Older women (vs. 2), 4. Widows (vss. 3-16), and 5. the elders of the church (vs. 17). But really the list only begins here. Romans 12:10 says: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. That's all-inclusive. WE ARE TO LIVE IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF HONOR!
Honor and respect are characteristics of heaven. Cynicism, animosity, and disrespect are expressions of worldly individualism. Today, HONOR is an "endangered species". Our flag is no longer saluted. It may LEGALLY be burned. Our children are no longer taught to say "Yes ma'am" or "No sir". We are encouraged to always question authority and speak our minds. Our culture is disintegrating due to lack of loyalty and honor. But God says that we must learn again how to give honor.
Norman Rockwell's "On My Honor"
There are six areas in which we are specifically instructed by God to show honor. Those six areas are:
1. Government - elected officials, the king, the mayor, civic leaders - you get the idea.
2. School - your teachers
3. Church - your pastors and elders
4. Home - your parents and family
5. All your acquaintenances - your friends, neighbours, work mates.
6. Yourself - if you disrespect and dishonour yourself, you cannot honor others.
When Jesus came into Nazareth early in His ministry, He found an atmosphere of contempt and
disrespect. In that environment, He could do no miracles. (Mark 6:1-6) As we celebrate and honor one another, an atmosphere is created in which it is easy for God to do some awesome things. Ultimately, it is God Himself we honor with a thankful, generous heart.
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