hon·or [on-er] n. – high respect as that shown for special merit; a great privilege; glory, recognition, distinction, esteem.
We live in a society with little honor. Sarcasm and cynicism are running rampant, ruling media, and rendering important things meaningless. We do not know how impactful words are.
(Zombies are actually nothing to joke about)
“The tongue has the power of life and death…” (Prov. 18:21)
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” (Isa. 5:20)
wor·ship [wur-ship] v. – to feel an adoring reverence or regard, to find worth in.
What do we worship? Take a look at the ol’ checkbook. The things and activities we spend our money and time on are what we find worthwhile.
Our deepest desire is to be loved and accepted. We crave fulfilling relationships. Facebook is wildly successful for a reason. We want to stop worrying, to laugh with others, to always feel like we are in love. There is an almost unquenchable desire for respect, distinction, adoration, etc… a longing to be enjoyed by others. We spend our time, energy, and money trying to fill these desires.
“Take delight in The Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Ps. 37:4)
Do not be deceived. You are not defined by the things that you do, but by who (and whose) you are. Each of us is incredibly important! Public figures glorifying themselves and cursing others are not funny or entertaining. Marketing firms preying on our hopes and fears are actually cruel not creative. Leaders serving themselves forget who has allowed them to lead. Do not accept this lie that you are alone, that nothing matters, or that by “saving money, you will live better”.
Instead, remember that “we are made in the image of G+d, in His own likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth” (Gen. 1:26). We are not robots. G+d has made us “a little lower than Himself crowning us with glory and majesty!” (Ps. 8:5).
As our greatest example, Jesus showed us how to live a life of joy, peace, and love in the midst of both friends and enemies. He turned water into wine, mourning into joy. He spoke to the storm and commanded it to stop. He gave thanks and fed thousands. He cast evil out of people. He showed us that G+d’s children really do have authority over the earth and how to use it. He taught us to pray “on earth as it is in heaven”, to forgive others, to ask, to receive, that the Kingdom of heaven is at hand, and to love The Lord our G+d with everything we can muster. Jesus says “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Jesus says “give and it will be given to you…for by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 6:38). I believe Jesus.
G+d is the best Father any of us can know. He is waiting, willing, and more able than we can comprehend to “give good gifts to those who ask Him” (Matt. 7:11). In His “presence is fullness of joy and in His right hand are pleasure forever.” (Ps. 16:11) Nobody wears glasses in heaven, there is no sickness, no sadness, no cancer in the presence of G+d, no aches or pains in His Kingdom. The solution is to honor and worship The Lord appropriately. Adore The Lord! Adore yourself! Adore others! The more you give, the more you receive by your own standard.
