THE VISION OF WHO IS HONORABLE IN THE WORLD IS GETTING BLURRY…

Before I get into the core of this article I would like to say that

biblically speaking there are some who are worthy of our

honor automatically, and they are:

1.  Elders
2. Father and Mother
3. Husband and Wife
4. Leaders/Teachers

Although, who to honor is important

why to honor them should be clearly defined.

I feel this way because modern vision is becoming a little

bit blurry about honor. It seems that many take for granted

those who are worthy of honor. This kind of

attitude leads them to becoming ungrateful

for the honorable people in their lives as well.

With that being said lets briefly examine each group.

Elders

Job 12:12 Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?

We have all heard the cliche’ “respect your elders”

well, I see more and more youth giving little honor

to elders when they speak. I see more and more flippant

attitudes toward elders as if there is nothing to learn

from their experience. This is troubling because when

it comes to family structure in older times elders maintained

very important “time tested” traditions. An elder will

definitely possess some knowledge of a “proven principle

or practice” that makes things in one’s life go easier.

So, to outright discard what they have to say is

simply foolish.

Father and Mother

Ephesians 6:2 “Honor your father and mother” which is the first commandment with a promise

Well, being a father I can tell you I have fought to maintain

old time traditions in my home, and my children know all

too well what I expect and deserve as a parent. However,

once again I see so much dishonor shown to parents everywhere!

It’s constantly shown on TV and in movie scenes i.e. the disrespectful

mouthy daughter who tells her parents off and storms to her room.

Or the son who intimidates his mom into submission.

Spanking aside, it has gotten to the point

where many parents feel guilty about having to

discipline their children in any sort of fashion. It should be clear

in the minds of children that mom and dad work hard for them.

It should be clear that having a home, entertainment, food,

clothes, and hope for the future is a privilege provided by parents.

It should be clear that parents face pressure daily of providing,

nurturing, inspiring, trusting, building, teaching, praying,

loving, being hurt, etc. So, dishonoring a parent,

is to forget about and take for granted the magnitude of what

parenting really is.

Husband and Wife

Hebrews 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage

bed be undefiled.

This is an area that is incredibly vital. Vital because it is

the beginning of human family structure. Without honor

among husband and wife there is chaos in the home

starting at the root. Both parties must understand this,

unless you are in an abusive relationship, or criminal elements

present, or there has been infidelity, you really

have to maintain your gratitude in spite of temporary annoyances.

In a good relationship there will be problems to

deal with however, you should never make a

permanent decision over a temporary emotion.

I see it like this, you get so much from a good relationship like:

• Hope and vision for the future
• Self esteem
• Protection/safety
• Friendship
• Love and affection
• Fun
• Direction
• Admiration
• Adoration
• Appreciation

It is for those reasons and more that I can only honor

my wife. In spite of any difficult time that may arise

I always view things through that prism and my vision

remains unblurry. I must also say that the modern day vision

is becoming more and more hostile toward marriage . Many

outside of marital confines do not honor the sanctity of marriage and

monogamous relationships. (and I am not talking about a marriage license

I’m talking about a true union of two souls) many actually seek to

violate and dishonor those confines if they have an opportunity.

So, I encourage every person in a committed relationship

reading this to remember to guard your marriage like

a mother grizzly guarding her cubs, and honor each other

over everyone else.

Leaders/Teachers

Who is a leader in your life? Who has taught you vital concepts?

Do you recognize them? Do you honor them? What have you

gained from their impact on your life? As a leader and teacher

myself I can tell you sometimes it is a thankless

experience.  A few times, I have even had those who

have become powerful people because of my impact actually

give off a judgmental vibe as if I owe them more somehow,

or a couple of times disrespected me unapologetically.

Now, someone doing this to me may seem unheard of to those

who know me personally, but it only highlights the reality of

what I am saying. The natural feeling would be hurt, or

anger however, truthfully I do not do what I do for thanks. I do what

I do because I can, because through intense personal study,

many powerful, mentors, creativity, and leading by example

I have the power and influence to do it. As the cliche’

goes with great power comes great responsibility.

At some point those whose vision has become

blurry as to your value or worth will see in HD again.

Remorse later in life is a good teacher for some.

I encourage everyone  reading to think about the leaders

and teachers in your life, those uncommon people

whose impact you may have taken for granted. Be sure to give them

the honor they deserve for the role they played in your life. If you

yourself are a leader or teacher and you can relate to feeling

dishonored at some point by those you love and influence remember

this word, VALUE. Affecting someones life by teaching

and leading by example will always be valuable whether

they honor it or not! Always remember this and you will

be able to overlook those who have forgotten your value or have

taken it for granted.  Perhaps they must learn from

remorse later on in life as they remember you

and others who have shaped them.