Digging Deeper: Honor THE Father

The verb honor is defined as “to regard or treat (someone) with admiration and respect” (Merriam-Webster). Synonyms include: (1) homage—the implication of accompanying praise; (2) reverence—profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or awe; and (3) deference—a yielding or submitting to another’s judgment or preference.

In the book of Revelation, John witnesses the throne in heaven. Twenty-four elders fall down before God, cast their crowns at His feet, and say, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (Rev. 4:11). God is worthy of our admiration and respect—He created all that we are and all that surrounds us. Paul reminds his readers in Corinth, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

We are to pay homage to God our Father. We are to praise Him in all circumstances. David writes, “O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love” (Ps. 59:17). David wrote this passage while assassins lurked outside his doorway, looking for an opportunity to kill him. As Seth so often melodically reminds us, we are to praise God “on the mountain and in the valley, just the same!”

God must be held in reverence. Fearing the Lord—viewing Him with awe—should be a natural outflow of a reverent heart. Our Father must also be the recipient of our love and devotion. How can we not feel devotion to and love for the One who created us, loves us unconditionally, and promises us an eternal home? Being devoted to someone means not only seeking to please them through our actions but also glorifying their name through those actions.

Finally, we must approach God with humility and total submission. I know my personality does not easily lend itself to deference. I have had to endure much discipline and refinement to more clearly view God as Father and Lord. Jesus is the perfect example of total submission. He constantly did the will of His Father, no matter the cost. May we all submit to the Father’s will as a way of honoring our heavenly Father!