Articles
Honor - From God or Men?
Honor or respect is something many of us value and appreciate. When we are treated disrespectfully, we often are offended by such treatment. God’s word gives us commands to honor various people. Children are to honor their parents (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16; Matthew 15:4, 6; 19:19; Mark 7:10; 10:19; Luke 18:20; Ephesians 6:2). Younger people are to honor older individuals (Leviticus 19:32). Rulers are to be honored by their subjects (Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:17). True widows are to be honored (1 Timothy 5:3). Elders are to be honored (1 Timothy 5:17). Bondservants are to honor their masters (1 Timothy 6:1). Husbands are to honor their wives (1 Peter 3:7). We are commanded to honor all people (1 Peter 2:17). It is right and proper to honor those to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7). It is not sinful or wrong to receive honor from those who God expects to honor us. However, we ought to truly seek after the honor which comes from God rather than the honor men might bestow upon us.
In reading the account of Balak trying to convince Balaam to come and curse the children of Israel, three times Balak mentions the honor he could have given to Balaam. Messengers were initially sent to Balaam from Balak asking him to curse the Israelites (Numbers 22:5-7). Balaam will receive a command from God not to go with these messengers because the Israelites are blessed and not cursed (Numbers 22:12). Balaam does not go with the messengers on this occasion (Numbers 22:13). Balak sends princes again. Those sent on this occasion were, “more numerous and more honorable” (Numbers 22:15, NKJV). Balak, through these messengers, tells Balaam, “I will certainly honor you greatly” (Numbers 22:17, NKJV). Balaam will go with the messengers this time but God is displeased with his going with them (Numbers 22:20-22). When Balaam arrives, Balak asks Balaam, “Did I not earnestly send to you, calling for you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?” (Numbers 22:37, NKJV). Balaam will tell Balak he can only say the word God puts in his mouth (Numbers 22:38). Balak will try to get Balaam to curse the Israelites multiply times in the following chapters. After Balaam has blessed the Israelites the third time rather than cursing them, Balak says, “I called you to curse my enemies, and look, you have bountifully blessed them these three times! Now therefore, flee to your place. I said I would greatly honor you, but in fact, the Lord has kept you back from honor” (Numbers 24:11, NKJV). One of the lures used by Balak to get Balaam to go beyond the word of God was the promise of receiving honor from Balak. It appears this at a minimum involved money Balaam would receive for doing what Balak wanted him to do (Numbers 22:7, 18; 24:13). Such was obviously really appealing to Balaam as the New Testament clearly teaches us (2 Peter 2:14-16; Jude 11). Today, Satan continues to try to tempt God’s people to violate the law of God and one method he uses is to offer us honor from men whether in the form of finances or some other way of receiving honor. Balaam may not have cursed Israel directly but we know his greed led him to find a way to get Israel cursed (see Numbers 31:16; Revelation 2:14). Balaam demonstrates for us the danger of seeking honor from men.
Instead of focusing on the honor one might receive from men, Jesus, as our example, focused on the honor which could come from God (John 5:41; 8:54). Jesus plainly points out those who seek honor from men instead of the honor which comes from God will not believe (John 5:44). Jesus also reminds us the person whom God will honor in the one who serves Him (John 12:26). Let’s not fall into the trap of looking for praise and honor from men! Let’s instead focus on seeking after the praise, honor, and glory God will bestow on those who faithfully serve Him (Romans 2:7-10)! Let’s choose the honor which comes from God over the honor we might could receive from men (Hebrews 11:23-25)!
