As we honor God and specifically His Son Jesus Christ (and His work on the cross) in our lives we begin to draw on the grace available "in Christ". To see heaven's reality brought to earth means that we must align our thinking and way of seeing things with God's. Thus since honor is how life flows in relationships, then we must learn the ways of God in relationships to live this out on the earth.
Honor sees the best in people by seeing them created in the image of God, despite sin, shame, wounds, fears, failures, and quirks. Honor looks for the treasure in people and calls it out. Specifically, if we want to walk as a son to God we must align with the spirit of sonship by walking in honor towards our parents. Valuing and esteeming parents for some seems to flow naturally out of a right and healthy relationship but for most this is a greater challenge.
It would seem that honor is for the select few that had a functional childhood but no application to those of us that had childhoods filled with pain, disappointments, and darkness. Yet Paul building on 2 chapters in Ephesians targeted at teaching on our new identity, 2 chapters for application of these truths in the church, and the next two chapters in the spheres of relationship that honor is be norm on earth as it is in heaven.
I was struck that I have spent many the prayer ministry sessions I have had for me in the last 10-12 years working through forgiveness of my parents as issues have been revealed. Yet moving into a place to truly honor and value my parents the way Jesus does is revolutionary. I believe Father is positioning me to receive even more of His life by honoring my father and mother, since this is His promise to me in Ephesians 6:2-3.
Walking in Honor,
Bret
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