Honor is given… Respect is Earned. We are all called to honor those in authority over us. We honor our parents and elders, we honor our pastors, we honor elected officials and public safety officials, we honor teachers, we honor one another… or at least we are supposed to. Part of the decay of modern culture today is the lack of honor. You can honor and not respect. Respect is earned by those whom respect is due. But Honor is constant. You may not agree with what an elected official did and may not respect them, but you must honor them in order to please God:
(Romans 13:1-7) 1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Being a Sr. Pastor, I have people in my life that I hold to high esteem and honor. Pastors in my life. Public leaders and politicians. Many others… But it shouldn’t stop there… We should honor everyone in my opinion. Placing others before ourselves. So much honor is missing because no honor is being given! Your waitress, your bank teller, your child’s teacher or baseball coach, YOUR PASTOR, they are people who are serving you and honor is not something they are used to getting, so let’s ramp it up and make a difference EVERYDAY by showing honor to all! Those who are proven and continually investing in your life, RESPECT them. Show Respect and you will receive Respect.
(John 13:34-35) 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
So what about the vote part… GO DO IT! I personally vote for the candidates that show honor, esteem their authority, and attempt to make a positive difference in our culture. They are not full of themselves, but they are concerned for the well-being of all. That is hard to find these days I know, but there are some I feel that are out there. Let your voice be heard! Go Vote! Look to those who first and foremost HONOR and ESTEEM God… that is the greatest place to begin…
Do you?
Eric Camp for MS House District 111 