Next weekend at Oasis.Church, we will begin a new series that we are calling “unCommon”. This series will be a catalyst in bringing attention to a major deficiency in our current culture, especially in the church. That deficiency is the lack of Honor. We will discuss honor, integrity, generosity, respect among other virtues that we need to pursue in order to honor God and live a prosperous life!
Romans 12:10 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
1 Timothy 5:17 17The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
Proverbs 15:33 33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 13:18 18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.
1 Thessalonians 5:12 12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.
Honor // Respect… these two attributes and character behavior is missing more in this society I believe than any other. The church is not exempt.
Ask yourself just a moment on the heels of Romans 12:10, do you honor others above yourself? Absolutely you may say, but let me put some things in perspective…
If you are an employee and your employer assigns you a task, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, do you diligently work to accomplish that task or do you “just happen to forget” or not give the attention it deserves because of your own agenda?
Do you honor those who are older than you even though you don’t really like them or you have major disagreements with what they believe or how they live and you talk about them and gossip and slander them because of your disagreement?
Integrity of an individual I believe is molded by the discipline of honoring. If you honor and respect, you will naturally develop the mindset and life-style of integrity.
I am writing this blog or note today for several reasons… being that I have owned my own business, served in law-enforcement, managed a financial institution, and currently pastor a church, I have come to the conclusion that the whole “entitlement” mindset and lack of honor is just as present in the church as it is outside the church, and this is alarming!
What ever happened to “yes maam”, “yes sir”, following through with what we say we will do and completing assigned tasks as they have been given out?
Tell me… I would like to know!!! I am more disappointed today because of this one thing I think than anything else.
There have been several times I have blessed my employees with an unexpected bonus on their checks, lunch, tools to assist them in their endeavors, whatever, with absolutely no thought of “thank you!”, “I appreciate that very much!”… ANYTHING! It makes you not want to do anything extra for them…
The whole mindset of “entitlement” has taken over where people believe and feel they are entitled to everything and anything because they are the answer to the world or to your organization or whatever, and it is in the church and it stinks!
No, I am not on a tangent, I am just being honest and discussing things that too many people wont dare begin talking about. Employers are shying away from mentoring and disciplining their employees, pastors prostitute for the sake of convenience and money, government officials sell out to the political popularity contest for the sake of getting reelected instead of standing in integrity and honoring GOD HIMSELF with the obedience of where HE has placed them!
Proverbs 13:18 talks about heeding correction and being honored… people today get mad, leave your church, quit their jobs, gossip and slander you, kick their dogs (ok, maybe that was too far), just because they get “corrected” or disciplined because they feel they are getting dishonored when the Scripture states that honor will be given if you receive the correction! We have things backwards, especially in America. ESPECIALLY IN THE CHURCH! Even if we disagree, you can still honor and show respect.
God knows what He is doing. Authority is for protection and covering. If you are under good solid authority, there is safety and security in that if you honor and respect it. Each time you don’t, you punch a hole in that protective covering and allow leaks to enter and eventually if you don’t correct it, you will be all washed up simply because you didn’t obey The Word.
I have certain mentors in my life that I allow to speak into me and sometimes, I have to tell you, it hurts! It is not always happy happy! But I desire that sharpening and correction if it means promotion and honor returned! I also show honor and respect regardless if I agree or not. Many times I may disagree in the moment, but can look back and realize how right they may have been even before it “clicked” with me!
Eric Camp for MS House District 111 
As we said in the 60’s “right on”! I can’t speak so much for the church, but as for society, we HAVE become a generation where entitlement has taken first place over almost everything! No longer are most looking to work to gain, but instead are looking to gain with minimal (if any) work. Integrity, respect (of both one’s self & others), and so much more have been lost! The other night at my high school reunion gathering, some of these very same ideas were thrown around. My mother would come up out of her grave and knock me out if I displayed some of the disrespect that is shown in our society today!!! Give a lady your seat! It ain’t happening!!!
Looking forward to the series. And, may the Holy Spirit guide and direct you in all you say and do.
God bless, Mel
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