Honor Releases Life
Most of us don't like the word "authority." Even good authority
can cause us to react in the strangest ways. Have you ever been "speeding" along
the highway, only to find yourself suddenly "slowing" down when
you see a policeman approaching? We are "reacting" to the authority
the officer carries. Yet, the same policeman, because of their authority,
can be of great comfort in other situations, such as helping to find a
lost child or apprehending a criminal.
The first authority figures that most of us encounter are our parents. God, understanding this principle of authority, commanded us to honor our parents. In the Ten Commandments given to Moses and the children of Israel, God says in Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life …"
None of us have had perfect parents. Funny thing, when God commanded us to honor our parents, He knew that they would have "flaws!" Yet, He gave a command with a promise: "Honor your parents and I will give you a full and long life." Understand, when God says "full" He means full - not partial. When He says "long", He means long - not short! Length of days and prosperity is the promise to those who honor their parents, because honor releases life. The Bible is full of examples and promises to those who honor those in authority. Honoring the authorities in our lives releases the blessings of God and the favor that comes through these authorities.
Too often many have had unpleasant experiences, whether real or perceived, with authority figures in their lives, including parents. Out of frustration, many view authority figures as hindrances to their lives, rather than releasers of life. The result: we tend to resist the authorities in our lives, including God Himself. For most, it's a passive form of resistance that says "yes on the outside" but on the inside we're saying "no way!" We may look like we are "obeying" and "honoring" those in authority around us, but inwardly we do not.
Sometimes we "judge" authority figures based on how they "rate" in our eyes. If they meet our expectations of someone in that position, then we may respect and honor them. If not, we may inwardly judge them and only give them "token" respect or adherence to their leading. The consequence is that we rob ourselves of life and favor that God wants to release to us through them.
This principle of honor releasing life works toward everyone we interact with. If I honor, respect and love my wife, God promises that my prayers will be answered. I receive a blessing, but so does she. The honor that I give her pulls out the treasure in her, releasing life to flow from her. The same is true of my children. As I love and honor them, they receive the blessing of the heavenly Father's love through me, and the honor I give them releases them to be all that God created them to be. When I meet someone on the street, and I respect and honor them, life and hope is released through me to them. And so it is with everyone we meet, whether in authority or not.
Honor releases life. This Holiday Season, honor those you meet and watch God release His life in them and to you. You will be blessed!
Bob Sawvelle is the Sr. Pastor at Tucson Area Christian Fellowship. He is married to Carolyn, and they have three daughters. He can be reached at 325-2045.
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