Humility and Honor

Humility and Honor
By Don Vess

"Humility comes before honor." Proverbs 18:12

I asked the Lord a specific question, “What will it take to bring about revival?”

The first thought that came to my mind, 2 Chronicles 7:14- “If My people will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sins and I will heal their land.”

The first part of that really stuck out to me. “If My People…will humble themselves and pray..”

1 Peter 4:17-5:7 NASB For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?  18  And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 19  Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God are to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

1 Peters 5:1-7 Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed:  2  shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness;  3  nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock.  4  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5  You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God is opposed to the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. 6  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time,  7  having cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares about you.

Prayer and Humility Go Hand in Hand.

Jesus told a story (parable: an earthly story with a heavenly meaning) about two men. One a Pharisee (religious ruler), the other a Publican (or IRS guy- a tax-collector) … 10 Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-gatherer. 11 The Pharisee stood and was praying thus to himself, God, I thank Thee (he used the KJV only), that I am NOT like other people: swindlers, unjust, and aduleters, or even like this tax-gatherer. 12 I fast twice a week: I pay my tithes of all I get.’ 13 But the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even un-willing to even lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” 14 I tell you this man went down to his house justified (just-if-I’d-never sinned) rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted.”

Just what is humility? (Websters dictionary)- Humility: freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble: not proud or haughty: not arrogant or assertive, insignificant, unpretentious, reflecting, expressing, or offering oneself in a spirit of deference or submission.

Romans 12:3-16 NLT- "Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each body part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6 In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things WELL.

So, if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is encouraging others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. (I believe this is where Apostle Paul is referring to “Love the sinner, hate the sin”.) Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and TAKE DELIGHT IN HONORING EACH OTHER."

 I must elaborate on that phrase. We long to establish a “Culture of Honor.” That means that we want to cultivate honor into the very fabric of who we are. That is, we want to honor the Father and His Christ first, then others before ourselves. We desire to Honor His word and obey it. We want to honor those who have the authority over us and pray for them. We want to encourage and nurture honor in the family structure and every home. We desire that we honor the guests whom the Lord sends to speak into our congregation and show honor to those we are submitted to as our God-given authority over us in the Lord.

Romans 12:11 continues..."Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them, pray that God will bless them. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all."

Jesus Epitomized Humility and Honor

Phil 2:1-11 NLT- "Is there is any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though He WAS GOD, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated Him to the highest place of honor and gave Him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory (honor) of God the Father."

As we humble ourselves before God and draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to us and give us victory over the devil as he will have to flee. Not only that, but He will fill our hearts to overflowing with the power of the Holy Spirit as we humble ourselves and seek to honor Him as we humble ourselves to each other and seek to honor others above ourselves.