So often questions in the Bible turn out to be no-brainers. I believe that is because truth is evident to someone who is genuinely seeking for it. 

One such question that has lately got me reflecting on the subject of honor is in John 5:44:

How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?

Sounds straight forward?

Unfortunately not. If it was, we would not go through the trouble we do to impress others. Think about the many things people do to either fit in or stand out. From dressing to career choices and all the way to the choice of a spouse, a residential address and even one’s citizenship. 

True honor, however, does not come from what we have or where we are in the natural. Our earthly possessions and placements are not the things that make us honorable. Honor comes from who we are. It is a function of our identity. Identity establishes legitimacy and brings authenticity to our actions and speech. Without this understanding, it is impossible to taste and sustain the honor that comes from God.

God is honorable because His word never fails. He means what He says and He never backs down from it. God does not have to struggle to fulfill His word either. He is true and so is His word; there is no error in Him. The fulfillment of His word happens by the inherent power of truth – power that is pure and perfectly accurate.
 
The man who awakens to the knowledge that he is a spirit and his origin is in God – the Father of spirits (Hebrews 12:9) – also realizes that he is only as honorable as his word. As a result, he is focused on being true to God in action and speech as opposed to the opinions of those around him. He knows that truth never fails and as long as he is acting and speaking truth, he too will never fail.

Change Your Outlook
When a man chooses to be true to God in action and speech, his outlook in life changes in at least two ways. First he begins to plan his affairs based on God’s ability. His vision of the future becomes bigger and brighter. He starts to see his relationships getting richer and stronger. He awakens to the realization that it is possible to forgive and to receive healing for his emotional wounds. The possibility of people showing him favour begins to grow stronger in his conscience.

He also begins to expect to walk in sound health and long life. The dread of becoming a victim of disease and sickness steadily lifts off his life. His motivation to pursue a healthy lifestyle becomes stronger. Even his financial objectives and goals change. They become greater and broader. He starts seeing himself debt-free and fully supplied. The spirit of generosity starts to find room in his life. In other words, he breaks loose from the mentality of limitation and inferiority.

The second thing that happens to him is that he becomes committed to conducting his affairs in a just and lawful manner. He understands that there is no need to cut corners to get to the bright and colorful future that he has laid hold of. Because of his enlarged appreciation of the ability and willingness of God to keep His word, he takes on the attitude that there is more than enough stuff in the world to go around for everybody.

As a result, he is glad to pay his taxes fully and timely. He is quick to pay his workers their fair and due compensation. While he trusts God for a brighter and colourful future, he restrains himself from commitments beyond his present means. He makes it a point to pay his bills on time. In other words, those who deal with him get to know him as a man of his word. Even those who may dislike him for whatever reason end up recognizing him as a credible man. It is this kind of a man that Proverbs 16:8 describes: “Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice.” (NKJV)

The good news is that such a man will not remain with little forever. The power of righteousness will turn things around for him sooner or later. We have Jesus’ word on that: “…seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). What things is Jesus talking about? All the things people chase after to make an impression – to receive honor that comes from men.

When a man receives things through the power and righteousness of God, his life not only makes an impression, it creates an impact – and that is the difference between being honored by men and by God. The honor that comes from God enables a man to impact his generation. That’s right: “…the generation of the upright shall be blessed” (Ps. 112:2).

So, what do you want for your life? Do you want it to just impress others or to impact them? It all depends on whether you choose to go after the honor that comes from men or that which comes from God. Sounds like a no-brainer? It is – but only to a sincere heart.

Saying 'Yes'
Now, if you choose to say 'yes' to the honor that comes from God, the two changes we’ve discussed above will no doubt begin to show in your life too. Honor is the language God speaks and understands. He expects honor from us not just because of who He is, but because honor authenticates our identity in Him:

A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor?
(Mal. 1:6)

Those who hang out with God also end up communicating in the language of honor. Honor is the language through which God addresses them; and they, in turn, learn to address their generation in the language of honor. That is how you stand out as honorable – by treating people with dignity and grace – because you know and understand who you are in God.