Building Your Faith Through Honor

In a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil, faith becomes our anchor. It’s therefore imperative that we understand the vital role honor plays in strengthening our faith and securing our foundation in God.

In the vibrant city, Jonathan lived by unwavering faith, honoring God in every facet of his life. One brisk morning, while walking through the subway, he encountered a homeless man and offered warm food, understanding that honoring God necessitated tangible action.

Later that day, upon arriving home, Jonathan heard a faint knock on his apartment door. It was Mrs. Jenkins, his elderly neighbor, struggling to balance herself with a small toolbox in hand. With a warm smile, she explained that her television had suddenly stopped working, leaving her without her favorite programs. Without hesitation, Jonathan offered to take a look.

As he tinkered with the wires and circuits, Jonathan shared stories of faith and hope from the Bible, how he was inspired by Jesus’s readiness to help anyone who came to him. He shared the story of ‘good Samaritan’ who offered help for a total stranger who had been robbed, attacked and left for dead even though he was ignored by the Priest and Levite who ought to have shown the best of concern. He compared and found parallels between the repairs he made and the restoration God brings to broken lives. With each twist and turn of the screwdriver, Mrs. Jenkins’s eyes sparkled with renewed optimism, mirroring the glimmer of hope Jonathan found in serving others.

With the television finally fixed, Mrs. Jenkins oozed with gratitude, thanking him for not only restoring her entertainment but also her faith in the kindness to others. As Jonathan closed the door behind her, he couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of fulfillment, realizing that serving others was indeed a form of honoring God.

That evening, as Jonathan settled into bed, he opened his Bible once more, seeking solace and wisdom. Reflecting on the day’s events and the guidance found in the Scriptures, his heart overflowed with gratitude. Through acts of honor and obedience, Jonathan realized serving others and respecting God’s authority is truly a faith booster and had fulfillment.

The Scriptures are replete with examples of individuals who honored God and experienced His faithfulness. One such example is Abraham, who, despite facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, honored God by trusting in His promises. Hebrews 11:8-12 recounts Abraham’s unwavering faith and the fulfillment of God’s promises in his life.

How can we Honor God?

1 Recognizing God’s Authority:
Honor begins with recognizing God’s authority over our lives. Proverbs 3:9 instructs us to “…honor the Lord’’. It’s a shame that quite a lot of people disregard God in one form or the other, talking and treating God and the things of God with disdain and despite. No! It shouldn’t be. We must honor God, acknowledge His sovereignty and trust in His provision.

2 Obeying God’s Word:
True honor is manifested through obedience to God’s Word. James 1:22 admonishes us “not to be merely hearers of the Word but doers also”. When we honor God by obeying His commands, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and favor. We must live our lives on the basis and guidance of God’s Word.

3 Respecting Others:
Honor extends beyond our relationship with God to our interactions with others. Romans 12:10 encourages us to “love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” By showing respect and honor to others, we reflect the love of Christ and build unity within the body of believers. The big question is, ‘Do you respect others?’

Actionable Steps:
What do we need to do to practice honor?

1 Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude:
Begin each day with thanksgiving, acknowledging God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life.

2 Practice Generosity:
Look for opportunities to honor God with your finances, time, and talents by giving cheerfully and generously.

3 Serve Others:
Demonstrate honor and respect to others through acts of service and kindness, following the example of Christ who came not to be served but to serve.

As we honor God with our lives, obedience, and relationships, our faith is strengthened, and we become firmly established in His promises. Let us strive to live lives marked by honor, knowing that in honoring God, we position ourselves to experience His abundant blessings and favor.”