Honor protects, submits, is willing to yield, and is quick to listen. Our reaction to instruction reveals our understanding of honor. We lack honor if we grumble and complain or just outright do not follow instructions because we think we have a "better way."
We are called to honor both God and man. Living a life of honor is God's way. Without it we are clearly in disobedience to His Word.
"Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12
"In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered." 1 Peter 3:7
"Elders who do their work well should be honored and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching." 1 Timothy 5:17
"Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." 1 Peter 2:17
"Honor the Lord with your substance." Proverbs 3:9
"Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work, to slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody." Titus 3:1-2
Dishonor is a seed for tragedy and loss. When we choose a life of dishonor, failure will be our harvest. Marriages will fail, relationships are damaged, careers are lost, our relationship with God is hindered.
The little foxes spoil the vine (Song of Solomon 2:15)... It's the little things that destroy. A practical example: A wife asks her husband to put the toilet seat down or a husband requests that his wife not allow the children to get into his toolbox. When the spouse disregards the request over and over again because they find it unimportant, their lack of honor opens the marriage up to growing resentment. Over time, this "little fox" can be the cause of a total breakdown in the marriage.
Dishonoring is never worth the loss it brings. Start planting seeds of honor for a harvest of blessing from the Father! :)
"If anyone serves Me, he must continue to follow Me, to cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying] and wherever I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves (honors) Me, the Father will honor him." John 12:26
