The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 2:30 that God honors those who honor Him and that He lightly esteems those who despise Him. By this scripture, we know what we must do, but the question is “How do we esteem and honor God?”
Of course, we esteem and give Him honor when we worship Him and tithe. But there is another way to give Him honor that is often overlooked.
Jesus said, “If you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto Me.” When the disciples attempted to keep the children away from Jesus, Jesus rebuked them. The children are considered least by some, but according to Jesus, they are valuable. We can give honor to Jesus and we honor God by giving honor to the little ones.
But that raises the question again, “How do we honor the children?” We honor our children at home and at church by giving them the Word of God and by training them in the ways of the Kingdom. As Christian adults, we should supply the very best teaching materials for our children. We must give them quality time and understanding. We must be an example to them of peace and wisdom. Too many parents will control their tongue and their anger in public, but release it in an ungodly way privately in front of their children. This should not be. When we do this, we are not giving honor to our children. And according to Jesus, what we do to the least, we are doing to Him.
So how do we honor God? We honor God by giving honor to children and we despise God by not esteeming our children.
Therefore the LORD God of Israel says: ‘I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.’ But now the LORD says: ‘Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed. (1 Sam. 2:30).
Additional reference: Matt. 25:40
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of eight books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.