Dear sister,
Do we understand what it means to honor someone? Do we understand what it means to honor Jesus? Why do we honor people? What does the word “honor” even mean? (Remember, sis, I’m the word nerd.)
To honor someone simply means to ascribe value to him or her. It is the showing of respect to someone who has earned it. We honor our soldiers with medals; actors and musicians with Oscars and Grammys; athletes with trophies; etc. Through the giving and receiving of these awards we are saying “Your accomplishment is worthy of recognition.”
But how do we as people and as believers honor Jesus? What do you give to the Son of God who already reigns over everything? The Bible tells us that Jesus has already been honored by His Father, sitting at the right hand of God (Acts 2:34). God has also promised to make His enemies His footstool. So Christ has been and will be exalted by God.
For us, honoring Jesus is going to look a little different. We can’t exactly give Jesus all authority in heaven and in earth after all. Here’s a list I put together of some specific ways I am personally trying to honor Jesus. This list is not an exhaustive one but one that can help us to jump start our call to honor Jesus. Will you join me?
1. Obey Him.
Oh this can be a tough one for me sometimes, dear sister. Let’s face it. Life gets hard. One day you’re pumped because you know you’re exactly where the Lord wants you and the next you’re asking God if you made the right decision because you’ve hit a rough patch. It’s in these moments that we need to seek to do what God is calling us to even if we don’t want to do it.
2. Spend your time wisely.
Yikes! When I look back on my past I’m depressed by the amount of time I have frivolously wasted away. Whether it was binging on my favorite TV shows (thank you, Netflix), or simply not doing what I should have been doing, the way I was spending my time was not indicative of a Christ-centered life. As the Lord convicted me of this I started to make changes in my life that allowed me to spend my time wisely. I canceled my subscription to Netflix, took a social media hiatus, and instead I try to spend more time practicing the harp, and building relationships with those around me. What are some negative time suckers you can give up and what positive things can you replace them with?
3. Give generously.
This may be an obvious one to many of us but it shouldn’t go without mention. In the Old Testament, God required the Israelites to offer up ten percent of their goods/income to the tabernacle. In the New Testament it is left up to us to decide how much we will give. Whatever the amount give regularly and with a joyful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7).
You may also consider giving your money (and/or your time) to an organization you care about that is devoted to helping others who are in a time of crisis.
4. Value what Jesus values.
Do you know what Jesus values, dear sister? If not, take some time today to read His word and find out. A few things you might find include integrity, a pure heart, faithfulness. Examine your heart and your actions. Is the way you’re living your life marked by the things that Jesus values most? Be honest with yourself and if you don’t like what you find in the trenches of your soul, figure out a way to change it. Seek to be a woman of honor and integrity, who not only gives honor to her Lord and Savior, but is worthy of it.
How will you honor the Lord today?
Running with you,
Kayla