September 10, 2024
My dearly beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, I greet and bless you all in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless you. The auspicious word that God gives you today is from the book of 1 Samuel 2:30, “For those who honor Me, I will honor.”
My dear brothers and sisters, everyone expects to live an honorable life, and this is not wrong. Nobody should despise or dishonor you. All should honor you. This is what many of us desire. It’s not wrong to think that way. But if you want what you expect to come to pass, then you need to follow the formula given in the Bible, as found in today’s word: “For those who honor Me, I will honor.” In other words, when you honor the Lord first, you will find favor from God and receive honor from others. The verse emphasizes that only if God honors you, people will honor you. Therefore, honoring the Lord is of great importance. Some people may seek worldly honor for money or even buy degrees for status, but you cannot buy honor from God with money.
One way to honor God is by sharing what He has done in your life as a testimony. Your testimony honors God. Additionally, when you walk uprightly, others will notice and say, “This is how a Christian should be.” In that way, you honor God with your life. However, when you follow your own desires and live in a way contrary to God’s will, people will say, “Is this person a Christian?” Their words will dishonor God. On the other hand, if people speak highly of your good character and behavior, God will be honored. You should strive to honor the Lord through your actions and lifestyle.
In some families, children may earn a bad name, and in turn, the family’s name is dishonored. People may say, “This person has brought shame to their family.” In the same way, God should not feel dishonored by your actions. From now on, make a change in your life so that God will not be put to shame or disgrace because of your behavior. Honor the Lord by giving Him priority and importance in your life, including church activities. Give importance to attending church. If you say you honor the Lord but don’t go to church, your attitude is wrong. This brings dishonor to God. God clearly says, “Do not do anything for your personal pleasure on this Holy Day of Mine.” Do not walk in your own ways. Instead, seek the Lord and come to His house of prayer. Go to church to worship the Lord in truth and spirit. Don’t stay home because there is no ministry to do. Failing to honor the Lord on Sundays, the Lord’s Day, is dishonorable. If you honor Him on this day, God will honor you in return and place you in an honorable position.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we thank You. You have said, “For those who honor Me, I will honor.” I pray for those children who have distanced themselves from their relationship with God and from church activities. May they change their attitude and turn back to the Lord, restoring their relationship with You and participating in church activities. As a result, may they receive honor from You, Lord. Grant them worldly honor and all the blessings of this life. Lord, let them not be put to shame. Honor them in the very places where they were once shamed. Lift their heads high, make their name great, and fill their lives with pride and honor. In Jesus’ Name, we pray.
Amen.
