HONOUR IN DEGREES

Matthew 10:37-39

“If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.

If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.

If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

I recently listened to a clip from Pastor Keion Henderson where he talked about honour and the fact that this generation has lost its ability to honour. Truly so, however there is a part to it. Those we have honoured, have they not disappointed us?

Take Nigeria as an example, our culture teaches us to honour elders and those in authority - the scriptures teaches us this too. What have our leaders done? They have ripped the country of its good name, destroyed the education, security and health system, stolen the common wealth, refused to build infrastructures, and are still extorting the little the masses have. Just plain wickedness, and all covered up in lies and deceit. 

Does this mean we disrespect elders and the authority? No. 

Jesus gave a good example to those who wanted to rope Him in with a trick question:

Matthew 22:17-22

Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me?

Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin,

he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.“Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

His reply amazed them, and they went away.

You cannot give God's honour to a man no matter what type of authority they claim to have - "Honour is in degrees". 

There is a honour for parents, leaders (spiritual or secular), spouse even for those under you. Everyone has their place. 

However with the Heavenly Father there is no respect of persons:

James 2:1 

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.

Some are yet to fully accept the salvation we have in Christ Jesus because they are afraid of what their parents, relations, sponsors or even friends will say. What a risk, will they matter in eternity? Listen, all judgment has been left to the Son, Jesus the Christ, He has the final verdict. 

John 5:22,27

In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge,

And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man.

Colossians 3:25 

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Ephesians 6:9 

And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

This was what Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah understand, thus they answered the king even at the risk of certain death by the furnace -  

Daniel 3:16

 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we [are] not careful to answer thee in this matter.

What audacity! They knew where to draw the lines, they understood that honour was in degrees. 

We speak the truth and do the right things, in honour of the Heavenly Father and not out of fear of man. 

Today people honour, money, self, and other humans more than the Heavenly Father, Christ says the consequence is rejection. Listen brethren, the fall of man was as a result of man trying to honour themselves above God. Read Genesis chapter 2, and truly it was what made the tempter fall too. 

We must set the right priority:

Isaiah 42:8

“I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols.

We must give honour where it is due, there are degrees of honour. May we not err. 

Help us Good Lord. 

He calls us blessed. 

Love

@the watcher.