Regaining Honor

We need to regain what we have lost. What have we lost?

We have lost our identity. For thousands of years, humanity has tied its honor to identity. We were created by The living and eternal God in his image. Yet, we have forgotten our creator and exchanged our identity in his family for chance and accidents.

Step by step over the past 100 years we have traded the truth of God for a lie. I am sure it felt good for a while, for society to throw off the bonds of authority that comes from parentage. Yet, when we throw away parentage, we throw away our honor of being children.

“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:10-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There is something precious that comes with family belonging. What have we lost by rejecting our identity in family? We thought we were throwing off constraint. Perhaps we believed or even believe now that no one will take care of us or honor us like we can honor ourselves. So we throw off the authority of God’s Word. We throw off the restraints of what seems unfair. It seems unfair to have to be under authority, and not to be free to do whatever we want.

But God’s authority is exerted to redeem, protect and heal his children. His boundaries protect from spiritual death. His words brought us forth in light from the darkness. Why do we run from him?

Even God’s people reject his truth. His truth is love. His truth honors others above self. His truth honors.

Our great Father in heaven has many sons and daughters. Sons and daughters of the king. Of late, we have fallen into sibling rivalry- doing our best to pull each other down, mock and ridicule. We have let the world system divide us- men against women. Husband vs. wife. Black vs. white. Rich vs. poor. Parents vs. children.

We have traded the glory of the family of God for wars of sexism. We have traded the unity, love and honor for personal goals and exaltation. Men devalue women and women dishonor men. Perhaps we have lost hope that comes from mutual trust and love in the family.

How many women have I heard make fun of their husband like they are the most inept child they are raising? How many men put down women as objects and second class citizens? Both sides are at fault. Both sides stand as squabbling children who have forgotten that they are all heirs of the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Can we regain honor? Can we learn to love in our time? Can we rest back under the authority of God? Can we respect one another and give one another the protection of love we wish for ourselves?

How can we stand in these evil times? What do we fight when we stop fighting each other? Let us take Christ’s example as our own.

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4:1-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Regain honor. Repent.