In what ways can we seek the "honor" from the Father mentioned here? Setting the Scene “ ‘If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.’ ” (John 12:26) The Promise of Honor • Jesus links the Father’s honor to a life of service and discipleship. • This honor is not fleeting applause but the eternal commendation of God Himself (cf. 1 Samuel 2:30). What the Father’s Honor Looks Like • Divine commendation—“Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). • Exaltation in due time—“Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6). • Eternal reward—“You will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord” (Colossians 3:24). Ways to Seek the Father’s Honor Serve Christ Wholeheartedly • Make every task an act of worship: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23). Follow in Obedience • “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23). Obedience places us in the path of divine approval. Choose God’s Approval over Human Praise • “How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44). • Live for the smile of One. Walk in Humility • “To this one I will look: to him who is humble and contrite in spirit” (Isaiah 66:2). • The low road before people is the high road before God. Pursue Secret Devotion • Give, pray, and fast “in secret; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18). Honor God with Your Resources • “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9). Generosity declares His worth. Bear Lasting Fruit • “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8). Fruitfulness invites the Father’s commendation. Persevere under Trial • “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life” (James 1:12). Confess Christ Publicly • “Whoever confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father” (Matthew 10:32). Show Honor to Others • “Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). The Father delights to honor those who reflect His own gracious heart. Heart Posture Required • Single-minded devotion (James 1:8). • Faith that God rewards seekers (Hebrews 11:6). • Love that constrains all service (2 Corinthians 5:14). Scriptural Snapshots • Joseph—served faithfully in obscurity, then God “made him lord of his house” (Psalm 105:21). • Daniel—resolved not to defile himself and was “greatly esteemed” (Daniel 10:11). • Mary of Bethany—honored for her costly devotion; Jesus promised her act would be remembered (Matthew 26:13). Living It Out Today • Begin each day surrendering plans to Christ’s lordship. • Seek unseen acts of kindness rather than public platforms. • Evaluate motives: are we chasing likes or the Lord’s “well done”? • Keep eternity in view; the Father’s honor outlasts every earthly accolade. Encouraging Reminder “Those who honor Me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30). Pursue His honor with glad, obedient hearts, and the smile of the Father is assured. |
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