Dear SCC & Friends,
Honor all men… ~1 Peter 2:17
Reflection #201
On the whole, it is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them. ~Mark Twain~ If we’re honest, we might admit that there are some that make it very hard to honor. Simply put, how do we honor those that rub us the wrong way? They talk too much or don’t talk at all… and nearly every conversation is driven by “the me monster” which says, “enough about you, let’s talk about me.” Jesus is amazing in that He loves the very people we find so frustrating. He goes so much further by telling us to love the unlovable… But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great… for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. ~Lk 6:35 It takes humility to properly bestow honor. Rendering honor to those who honor is due helps to keep our hearts aright. It serves as an antidote to the bitterness and cynicism so prevalent in modern culture.
We did not get to pick our brothers and sisters in our natural families. Neither do we pick our brothers and sisters in the family of God. Some of those relationships have cost us dearly, but nothing in comparison to what the Lord has done for us. We are called to prefer one another… …give preference to one another in honor… ~Rom. 12:10…extending esteem and respect to those who cross our path… to honor all men… even the DMV worker, the rude waiter, the customer service representative who shouldn’t be in customer service… or the arrogant and religious person who has all the answers. We can honor by God’s grace… We can do this… We are ambassadors of His Kingdom… Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government. ~1 Pet. 2:17 MSG … It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.~Anon.~ Keep up the good work!
Made for these days,
Kevin