The Decent Order of Grace - Part 8 - Honor

"For 'God has put all things in subjection under his feet.' But when it says, 'all things are put in subjection,' it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all." 1 Cor 15:27-28 ESV

Honor is a beautiful thing. It is divine and dignified. Idolatry exalts a person or thing in place of God. Honor is a reflection of the internal relationship of the Trinity one to another. Honor does not seek to make those who gave them authority come under their authority. Those relationships remain fixed but also grow in depth.

"I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation." Ps 119:99 ESV

Ah, but to learn and grow. I always want to do that. Anyone who teaches wants students that excel them. If the ego is put aside that is.

"For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north" Is 14:13

To desire to ascend 'above' in authority is demonic thinking. But to desire mastery of what has been given by God and in turn by men is Godly thinking.

"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it" Gen 1:28

Christ did function in honor, His is presently functioning in honor and He always will. The mind of Christ is a mind filled with honor.

When I honor an elderly veteran I see see in the grocery store and recognize him and treat him respect, it is not only right, it may be a opening to present the Gospel. I may yet be strong and others have grown weak with age but our honor does not dwindle as strength does. It only deepens in time.

Let us remain little in our own eyes as we grow in grace and knowledge. Let us fix others who have gone before us in places of respect in our minds. Not high pedestals where it is lonely and there is a long drop but horizontally in honor where familiarity is foreign and envy is disarmed.