Understanding Honour
And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and valiant men went with him, whose hearts God had touched. But some rebels said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace (1Sam.10.26-27).
Honour is a great esteem that is accorded to a higher being or someone in higher position. It is reference that is more than just respect. It comes to people for various reasons. It can be best described as an intangible virtue or aura around a person but usually given by others. Saul was made king and some people honoured him. However, there was a twist in the story. Some others despised him at the same time he received honour. Saul did not pay attention to those who despised him. For every time you are held in high esteem and honoured, there will be people who think less you as well.
Honour can be conferred by God on a person for many reasons. A person can be chosen for a special assignment that will confer honour on her. Also, the society can decide to put a person in a position of honour, may be as a leader or someone they defer to. For whatever reason honour is accorded to another person, don’t dishonour them. And this dishonour could come for many reasons. It may be because you don’t agree with them or because you knew their past. It is out of place to dishonour a person of honour.
Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority (Rom.13.7).
Honour is like the crown on the head of a cock, it may seemingly not have any function but it determines the price value of the bird. Give honour to those it is due. It will not reduce you to accord honour to them. It is both childish and immature to despise people in authority or those to whom honour is due. And for those in honour, never give attention to those who despise you. Giving them attention is a distraction, as they will derail your course in life. Stay focused. Shalom!
© Olusola John