honor noun 1 [ mass noun ] high respect; great esteem: She gave Him her greatest honor and praise.
My husband spoke this week at my monthly women’s Bible study, Equipped By Faith, and I was so proud of him as he spoke from his heart about all the ways God has been faithful to him throughout his life. I get to see the man of God he is at home with our children and with me, but other people rarely get to see that depth of his heart and character on display.
When he was speaking, the main point of his message was about how God is in control of our lives, and all honor and respect is His. Field has an incredibly healthy fear of God. No matter what accolades or success he receives through his business here on earth, Field believes it is his highest honor to be called a servant of God.
“These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved…” Acts 16:17
Being a servant is technically the lowest place of honor, according to the world’s standards. But according to the Word of God, this is who we are called to be as believers!
“So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.” Matthew 20:16
The Bible places a lot of emphasis on being a servant and putting others’ needs above our own. I believe Christ challenges us to do this because He knew how selfishness and pride could destroy someone’s heart and life. The Word of God is full of wisdom, and though it doesn’t always make sense to us, it always proves true in our lives!
“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” John 12:25-26
Now, this verse doesn’t mean if you enjoy your life or the blessings God provides for you that you are doing something wrong. It does not mean we need to hate our lives in order to go to Heaven. What this verse is saying is this: there should be nothing in this life that means more to us than our devotion to God. This verse is challenging the Lordship of our hearts!
Field and I enjoy our lives, we enjoy our children and we enjoy our business and the many blessings God has brought into our lives. But more than anything, the highest honor we could ever have is being servants of Christ–before anything else. We had to come to the place in our lives where we decided God was going to be in control of every decision, every situation and every choice we would make. Above all, God is in control and we are honored to serve Him with our lives.
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
In whatever we do, we are working for the Lord–not for anyone else. When you begin living this way, I promise you, you will not be disappointed. Living completely for the Lord is the most incredible, joy-abounding, peace-filled life you could ever imagine. When we recognize Him as Lord, we don’t have to worry about anything–because He is in control of ALL things!
“God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10
Whatever gifts or blessings God has given to you today, use them to serve one another and to glorify Him in all that you do. I can’t wait to see how God begins to move in your life through your submission and service to Him!
Praying for continued blessing over your life, and open eyes and hearts to see and receive all He has for you!
XO-
Sabrina