Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Romans 13:7
We owe taxes to governments. We owe money to those we buy from. But we also owe respect and honor to those who deserve it. Government officials deserve respect and those who have served well or given their lives deserve honor.
It is distressing to see how little respect is given to government officials today. Too often we decide that government officials do not deserve respect. Romans chapter 13 makes it clear that God himself has placed government officials over us whether we like them or not. God has given them to us for our own good. Without governing authorities there is chaos. Christians obey God by obeying his gift of governing authorities.
As Christians we also owe honor. First of all, we owe honor to the Lord our God. We are to show honor to our fathers and mothers. We should honor those who preach to us and teach us. We should honor our heroes – those who have fought for us, protected us, cured us, defended our rights, and risked their lives for us. Honor is due them.
So how do we show honor to past heroes?
- Teach our children to honor them
- Visit their graves or monuments
- Protect their monuments
- Thank God for them
How do we show honor to present heroes?
- Pray for them
- Tell others why they are heroes
- Teach our children who they are
- Encourage them with our communications
- Support them financially if needed
- Thank God for them
I am so grateful for the heroes that God has put in my life. My father, my husband, my brother who fought for my freedom. My mother, my pastor, my mentors who taught me truth. They all deserve my honor.
Which heroes are you honoring today?
Rosemary
ReplyDeleteI think of those who walked beside me when I was a young believer and taught me Scripture and trained me to serve in many ways. They will be surprised in Heaven.
My father taught me honor and respect for all who serve. He was born in 1907, served in the army during WW II and the Korean Conflict. He led and lived through Normandy.
It helps me to put the title before our political leaders. I may not like a leader God has set over me, but I will respect the office he holds.
I also remember that these leaders will stand before God not just responsible for the country they serve, but the family they lead. It is then that I remember many need the Lord and I pray quite differently.
I will admit that my favorite leaders have led me closer to the Lord and privileged me with challenges that only God could do. I've been privileged to know many leaders like that. Thank you Rosemary for being one of them.
Thank you, Vivian. Your mentioning that you always speak the title of a leader before their name is such a good way to show honor. I will do that from now on.
ReplyDeleteRosemary, You have been and will always be one of my heroes. From the first time I met you, I sensed that God's hand was on you and that impacted my life in more ways than I can express. Thank you for being a Godly role model for so many people whose lives you have touched.
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