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Honor
Ron Walters
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Remember those great old riddles we learned as
kids? They would twist our brains until we were cross-eyed. Well,
here's a new riddle to ponder:
While many feel deserving, it's bestowed to only few. Yet it's doubled for those pastoring. Give up? Here's a clue: The lovely Cinderella found it at the ball, but Tiger Woods, mighty Woods, swung and missed it all. Answer: "Honor to whom honor is due." Honor. Desirable, yet elusive, recognition reserved for a select few. Though often confused with "fame," there are very few similarities. "Honor" is more rare than "fame," and far more valuable. "Fame" may be found in a moment, but "honor" is not as easy to achieve. Despots have demanded it, armies have marched for it, and athletes have striven for it. But it doesn't come from wishing, or wanting, or even working for it, though hard work is always involved. Those who seek "honor" are bound to miss it. Those who deserve it are the ones who don't need it. It's the residue of commitment. It is integrity's reward. Honor. It's not much of a word to look at: a few consonants dressing up a couple of zeros. In Hebrew "honor" is "kabad." In early Hebrew literature it was a negative word, meaning "to be heavy or burdensome." Later on it came to mean "to be wealthy." Finally, the Hebrews settled on "to have honor." Similarly, the Greek word "tino" originally meant "to pay a penalty." Later it became "to affix a value." It ended as "to honor, or to venerate." It appears even the word "honor" had to pay its dues before it could be accepted and ...honored. Since those early days, "honor" has been reserved as the crown of human achievement, the highest mantel of respect. It's a premium-laden word. A 24-carat noun. The Bible is careful with its usage, telling us exactly where it does and does not belong. The Old Testament even mandated a death penalty for improper use of honor. It's a sacred word, used only as the highest accolade. An inlaid badge of great distinction. The Psalmist, for example, visualized God as "clothed with honor." The scriptures speak of "the honorable name" of Jesus. We are commanded to give honor to the aged, to parents, and to widows. Israel is to be honored, and so is marriage. But to those who lead our churches, the Bible raises the ante. It says these are "worthy of double honor." "Remember those who you, who the Word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith...for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:7 & 17)
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July 27, 2007
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