To “honor” means to ascribe worth to a person and/or give recognition of another’s worth.
In 1776, colonists signed their names to a radical document that would change the world, the Declaration of Independence, knowing that they would probably give their lives because they put their names on this document. The final sentence says this, “And for the support of this declaration and with a firm reliance and the protection of the divine providence [that’s God] we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
That’s called commitment. They pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. What have you committed that to in your life? That’s the power of commitment, because today the United States is the most powerful and influential nation in the world.
Today’s scripture, Romans 12:10, suggests that we push others ahead of ourselves. We show each other honor, not disgust or any such attitude. We are glad when others are promoted. We are thrilled when others are blessed. We push others out front, not behind us. To be devoted means to be permanently linked to one another. It is a fervent commitment.
Even the secular world understands the value of recognition of those who serve others. Corporations and small businesses have seen a tremendous increase of productivity and improved morale in the people who work for them when proper recognition is given to sacrificial service. They have seen the destruction that comes when recognition for sacrificial service is replaced with reward for productivity. Appreciation for sacrificial service builds up, rewards for productivity breed unhealthy competition then quality of service is replaced with quantity of mass production.
Scripture tells us in several places to give honor to those who are worthy of honor. But I also think it is worth mentioning, not everyone is worthy of honor.
Some examples of those commands:
Honor the Lord Your God – Exodus 20
Honor your father and mother – Ephesians 6:23
Husbands, honor your wife – 1 Peter 3:7