Whoever pursues righteousness and love
finds life, prosperity and honor.
(Proverbs 21:21 NIV)
Our pastor has been preaching a series on HONOR, one of the values of a Christ-centered Kingdom Culture. To honor something is to hold it in high regard or to respect and value it. One week he talked about honoring your parents (Ephesians 6:1-2), and another week about honoring first responders in law enforcement and military. Yesterday he talked about creating a culture in the local church where we are verbally positive and encouraging, blessing others, appreciating those who serve in seemingly menial ways, and maybe even writing a note or giving a small gift card in appreciation. Creating a culture where people honor each other is certainly not normal in our wider society, but it is something the Apostle Paul calls us to:
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (Romans 12:10-11 NIV)
Sometimes churches just “get” this.
Last night my mom told me the story of a church that honored one of its servants. “Eleanor” had been the organist at this small-town church where I attended with my family during most of my growing up years. With her on organ, when I was 13 I began to play the hymns on piano for services. Long after I had gone to college and moved on with my life, Eleanor continued to play organ for that small church.
Through seasons where the church was thriving and seasons where only a trickle of people came in the door for service on Sunday, she continued to faithfully play the hymns for worship. Yesterday they honored her for 55 years of organ playing!! 55 years!!! The celebration was a mix of surprise party, worship service, reunion, and luncheon. Congratulations to Eleanor for such long-term faithfulness, servanthood, and love for her people. I expect that Jesus would say “Well done, good and faithful one!” And congratulations to her church, former church pastors and members, and friends and family who spent yesterday honoring her as a person. Well done, saints of God.
God,
Thank you for examples of lives like “Eleanor” that show us what a life of obedience and faithfulness looks like. Thank you for the opportunities we have to honor people in our circles. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and words to speak so that we can honor, bless, and encourage those around us. Help us to pursue righteousness, love, live, and honor, we ask in Jesus’s name. AMEN.
“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ (Matthew 25:21 NLT)