One Thing Missing

As I look around in the body of Christ at large I recognize that a number of things are missing but there is one thing in particular that stands out the most. That “thing” is the value of honoring one another.

When we honor someone it means we show respect and give them the unconditional love that God has given to us. It is a commitment to be in covenant with each other so we can walk the journey together in the good times and bad times.

Showing honor means we cover someone with prayer when they are in their difficult times. It means refusing to listen to and participate in the gossip about a brother or sister who is struggling in doing what's right or who is falling away from the faith. We are called to stand in the gap, protect and encourage them and correct those who are spreading gossip and strife.

Honor is to carry each other’s burden as we are told in Galatians 1:1 &2, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.  Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Honor is more than just love and respect; it includes understanding the value that God places upon each and every one of His children. As sisters and brothers in Christ honor is the glue that holds us together as His body because it prevents the enemy from dividing us through seeds of discord that are designed to separate us.

Yet, today we see a breaking down and tearing apart because of a lack of honor.

And where does honor come from? It is imparted to us from the heart of God when we worship Him and spend time in His presence. It comes out of our own humility and meekness because we have been through some stuff. Our own failures help us understand that except for the grace of God, there go I!

The Bible says that in these last days the love of many will grow cold because of lawlessness….but “he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

Let's begin to walk the walk of honor with one another, putting the devil where he belongs, under our feet. Let's put a watch on our ears and our lips so we won’t listen to or spread gossip because it will damage our hearts. Gossip taints our relationships with the hurting people that God has placed in our life to help and encourage.

If you are on the upswing of your life, praise God! But we never know when the time will come when we need someone to honor us in the midst of a trial

Remember the spiritual law that says whatever we sow is what we will reap. Let’s sow honor whenever we can and watch God bring healing to the body of Christ and healing to our own life.