Honor In Every Direction

Reading:  Romans 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

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. 5 Therefore, 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.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

Devotional: The call to honor is not selective. Scripture casts a wide net -- commanding us to honor governing authorities, to honor those who lead us spiritually, and to take genuine delight in honoring one another. Romans 12:10 does not describe honor as a duty reluctantly performed. It describes it as a delight -- something we lean into with affection and intention. This is a radical posture in a culture that has largely abandoned it. We live in a world where authority is mocked, leaders are diminished, and service goes unacknowledged. But the Christian is called to live differently. To honor a coach, a teacher, a boss, a pastor, a police officer, or a first responder is not weakness -- it is obedience. It is also a witness. When a watching world sees believers honoring others with sincerity, it sees something it cannot easily explain. It sees the fruit of a transformed heart.

Personal Reflection: Who in your life -- in authority or in service -- have you taken for granted? Who has served you faithfully without receiving your acknowledgment?

Practical Application: Identify one person in authority or service -- a teacher, a pastor, a first responder, a military veteran -- and find a specific, tangible way to honor them this week. Say it out loud. Put it in writing. Make it real.