Honour your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.
Ephesians 6:2-3 NIV
Do you ever wonder how to unlock blessings through honour in your life? Scripture reveals a profound spiritual principle often overlooked. This principle, the ‘spiritual law of gravity,’ suggests honour is more than good manners. Indeed, it is a powerful spiritual mechanism. Moreover, applying this truth profoundly impacts your well-being and longevity.
The Hebrew word for honour, kavod, means ‘weight.’ To honour someone means treating them as significant. Conversely, dishonour treats them as ‘light’ or insignificant. God established a vertical flow of blessing. Although He is the ultimate Source, He frequently uses human vessels. These include parents, spiritual leaders, and mentors. Honour acts as the valve that turns this flow of blessing on.
Blessings Through Honour: Respecting Parents
Ephesians 6:2-3, quoting Deuteronomy 5:16, presents a unique guarantee. It promises long life and well-being to those who honour their parents. This suggests dishonour brings unnecessary struggle and ‘shortness’ to life. Many people pray for breakthroughs, yet their lives remain filled with friction. Consequently, they may violate this foundational law. For this reason, respecting parents is crucial.
We often think we only honour parents if they deserve it. However, God did not command us to ‘Honour your perfect parents.’ Instead, He said, ‘Honour your father and mother.’ You honour them for their God-given position, not their performance, and more importantly, because God says so without any condition. Therefore, respecting the office of ‘parent’ means honouring the God who placed them there.
Receiving from Blessers: Avoiding Familiarity
Beyond parents, God places specific people in our lives to elevate us. These individuals are ‘blessers.’ Jesus affirmed this truth. He said, ‘He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward’ (Matthew 10:41). Truly, recognising and receiving from these individuals is crucial. For this reason, we must approach them with reverence.
The enemy of honour is familiarity. Getting too close to a mentor or leader often reveals their human flaws. If you lower your view of them to ‘just a regular person,’ you cut off the ‘prophet’s reward.’ You cannot receive from a well poisoned with disrespect. Consequently, this blocks the flow of blessings through honour intended for you.
Living It Out
Reflect on your ‘honour level’ today. Consider how you speak to and about your parents. Furthermore, examine your interactions with spiritual leaders and mentors. Ultimately, choose to treat God’s vessels with the ‘weight’ they deserve. Experience the powerful impact of unlocking God’s blessings through honour in your life. Amen.