While in a time of reflection recently, I was looking hard at where we are now as a nation. Deep in thought, I asked within my spirit: How did we get here? I could see that something critical is missing in this nation. And the Lord brought something to my mind, something that is now rampant in America: the lack of honor. This lack of honor is evident everywhere you look. But honor is important to God. In fact, that we should display honor is actually commanded by God. But the obedience is up to us. 

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Displaying honor involves having a deep reverence for someone; you have a great respect for that person; he or she is highly esteemed. This is synonymous with love and glory. We are called to honor God first, in our relationship with Him. When we walk in obedience to His word, we bring Him glory. This honors God. In fact, Scripture says: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). How we live our lives should bring glory to the Lord. Here are some important scriptures we can learn from.

We’re told in Scripture that wives are to submit to their husbands in obedience (see Ephesians 5:22).

The husband is to honor his wife, the weaker vessel, as his partner and a joint heir (see 1 Peter 3:5–7).

Children are to honor their parents (see Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:2).

We are to treat the elderly with honor and respect (see Leviticus 19:32 and Proverbs 16:31).

We are to honor spiritual authority (see 1 Timothy 5:17, Hebrews 13:17, and 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13). 

We are to honor those for whom we work (see Colossians 3:22–24).

We are to honor those who hold positions of authority over us (see Romans 13:1).

For every one of those scriptures listed, we’re seeing the exact opposite displayed in our society. Many wives (even some Christian wives), refuse to honor their husbands. Many husbands refuse to honor their wives. There are young children and youths who will not honor their parents, the elderly, or their teachers, and who even go so far as to mock law enforcement. There are employees who refuse to submit to their bosses. There are Christians who neglect to honor or submit to their pastors and other church leaders. There are believers and unbelievers who pay no honor to those bearing rule in their city or in the nation. Scripture warns that refusal to pay due honor actually opens the door for a curse (see Deuteronomy 27:16).   

Yes, we may become upset about all the disrespect we’re seeing everywhere across this nation, but we must first point the finger at ourselves. If our children have been disrespectful, we must ask ourselves: Do I display any dishonor in my home? Have they seen me disrespect my spouse, or vice versa? Maybe your teens or young adults want nothing to do with church or with the faith. Have they overheard you dishonor your pastors in private? Do they hear you constantly dishonoring the house of God? Or maybe they lack respect for law enforcement officers, but consider how many young people overhear adults badmouth or mock police officers. Too often these things begin among us inwardly before they are expressed outwardly. I know I’ve messed up more times than I can count. I’m thankful for the loving discipline of Father God, graciously correcting me through His word whenever I’ve been in error. 

The Bible doesn’t tell us we are to honor only those who are Christian. Take, say, a godly woman who is married to an unsaved man — she is never encouraged to disrespect him. Instead, the Scripture says the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife. It says she might even win him to the Lord by the godliness of her own character (see 1 Corinthians 7:12–14).

All this may ruffle feathers or anger some readers, but that’s not at all my intention. My desire in writing this is only that you might examine your own heart before the Lord and see if any of it applies to you. You may say: “I’m not going to honor the political leaders of my city; they’re  wicked. I’m not going to honor this current president; he’s evil.” And to be sure, we do not and should not support any wicked legislation or unbiblical mandates. So then, how are we to honor evil rulers? The answer is simple: Intercession. Your continual intercession for them pleases God. 

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1–4).

Notice that verse says intercession is for all people, not just the church, not just for the saved, but all.  We are not to choose who is worthy of honor because God has already designated it in His word. When we choose who is worthy of honor, we are devaluing those who we feel are not worthy. The Lord’s precious blood was for all, and that means all life has value to God.

Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor (1 Peter 2:17 NIV).

This verse describes clearly what matters to God: We are to love one another and to respect everyone, not just those whom we may happen to deem worthy. We are to love the Church — and notice that the apostle calls it a “family of believers.” Church and family are very important to God. And last, he says “honor the emperor.” Nero was the emperor during the time  Peter wrote his epistle. Wow — what a statement to the church! Of course the Christians of that time did not condone or accept the heinous things Nero did, but they knew that commanded God them to honor him anyway. They did so in obedience to the Lord, and such obedience surely brings Him glory.

It is not wise to ask God to make others honorable in our eyes. This kind of prayer, in essence asking God to forcefully impose our will on someone else, amounts to nothing more than “witchcraft” praying. 

Cultivating a lifestyle of honor is a choice, and it requires intentional acts of obedience. It begins with our yes. Be intentional in showing honor in your home, in your church, in your neighborhood, in your workplace, and in your prayers. Honor attracts the presence of God, and it invites His blessings. If we want all this, we must do things God’s way. 

To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen (1 Timothy 1:17). 

Let’s pray together now:

Father, You alone are worthy of our praise. You are altogether lovely and magnificent, and there is no one like You or who can do what You do. Grant us clean hearts and restore a steadfast spirit within us. Please forgive us for those times we’ve failed to render proper honor to those to whom it was due. We ask You for a heart more sensitive to Your will. Let us see all people through Your eyes. Give us hearts humble enough and eyes open to see the opportunities You’ve set before us for walking in obedience. In this culture where it’s so easy to be guilty of dishonor — at home, at church, at work, in the street — we choose honor. We want to do things Your way, and we will trust You with everything. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

How is the Lord leading you to pray about what’s going on? Share your thoughts and prayers below. 

IFA contributing writer Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor and listen to her podcast, Something To Share. Photo Credit: CompassCare.