"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another"  (Rom. 12:10).

Honor is an important core Christian value.  Paul declares that we need to give "honor to whom honor" is due (Rom. 13:7). Our leaders and governing authorities are appointed by God (Rom. 13:1).  Paul exhorts us to first of all pray "for all men, for kings and all who are in authority" (I Tim. 2:1-2a).  Have you lately prayed for those in authority? Perhaps some real Spiritual action could better take place if we did pray first of all and for all. When you are praying for all men, you are providing an essential Spiritual step in providing honor in giving preference time and concern for the well-being and needs of others. Paul declares that we give the greater honor in the Body of Christ to those members who lack and have the greatest needs (I Cor. 12:23-24). This edifies and brings growth and unity to the body.  We have decisions and choices to make.  We can choose do foolish and sinful things in our flesh, or live in the Spirit unto God. We are all earthen vessels to carry the life and Person of the Lord Jesus Christ (II Cor. 4:7).  If we choose the flesh and sin, then we will be a vessel of dishonor.  If we choose to let Christ live in and through us for others, then we "will be a vessel for honor, sanctifed and useful fro the Master, prepared for every good work" (II Tim. 2:20-22).

Paul said we are to honor widows (I Tim 5:1); honor our masters or our employers (I Tim. 6:1); honor our father and our mother (Eph. 6:2); honor all people, and honor the king or those in leadership authority (I Pet. 2:17).  Paul said we are to give the elders who rule in the Body of Christ – double honor (I Tim. 5:17).  The character and nature of Christ in us is an honoring Spirit and nature.  Jesus declared to the Pharisees that, "I honor My Father" (John 8:49). Jesus continued and answered, "My Father who honors Me" (John 8:54).  That is an important spiritual truth.  The Son will always honor the Father, and the Father will always honor the Son.  If we want to have the honor of our Heavenly Father, then we need to let the Son live in us as us (Gal. 2:20).  For it is in the Son whom the Father has given true Spiritual life (I John 5:11-12).  It is the Son, whom the Father spoke out of heaven three (3) times and said that He was "well pleased" and who "glorified His name"  (Matt. 3:17; Matt.17:5; John 12:28).  You are wasting your time, if you are attempting to satisfy the Father with your own works in your own strength.  Jesus said, "for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).  Jesus was serious we can do nothing – zero – not one thing aside from the strength and Person of Christ in us (Phil. 4:13).  To honor the Son in us is to honor the Father.  To not honor the Son in us, is to not honor the Father (John 5:23).

One of these days every living creature will utter the truth to God and say, "Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!" (Rev. 5:13).  With Paul, perhaps we should start our praise and genuine honor to Him today. "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever. Amen"! (I Tim. 1:17).  V