How can we apply "those who honor Me I will honor" today? Context of the Promise 1 Samuel 2:30 closes God’s rebuke of Eli’s priestly household: “For those who honor Me I will honor, but those who despise Me will be disdained.” The principle is timeless—honor given to God brings His honor in return. What Does It Mean to Honor God? – Treating His Word as final authority (Psalm 119:160) – Holding His character and commands above cultural pressures (Acts 5:29) – Giving Him first place in affections, plans, and priorities (Matthew 22:37) Practical Ways to Honor God Today • Personal devotion – Begin and frame each day by reading Scripture; let it set the agenda (Joshua 1:8). – Memorize verses and rehearse them during work, study, or chores (Psalm 119:11). • Speech – Refuse coarse joking and gossip (Ephesians 4:29). – Use words that point others to Christ, especially in conflict (Colossians 4:6). • Stewardship – “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest” (Proverbs 3:9). – Plan budgets and spending so giving to gospel work comes first, not last. • Integrity at work or school – Work “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). – Reject shortcuts that compromise honesty, even if others profit by them. • Family life – Lead regular times of Scripture and prayer with spouse and children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). – Model repentance by admitting wrongs quickly and seeking forgiveness. • Public witness – Identify openly with Christ in conversation and on social media (Romans 1:16). – Serve neighbors sacrificially, letting good works “glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). How God Honors Those Who Honor Him – Provision: “Seek first the kingdom of God…and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). – Protection: “Because he loves Me, I will rescue him; I will protect him” (Psalm 91:14). – Promotion in due season: “Humble yourselves…that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6). – Eternal reward: “If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him” (John 12:26). Guarding Against Dishonor • Rationalizing sin because “grace covers it” (Romans 6:1-2) • Letting fear of people silence allegiance to Christ (Luke 12:4-5) • Drifting from gathered worship and fellowship (Hebrews 10:25) • Treating sacred things lightly—worship, communion, marriage vows (Malachi 1:6-8) Encouragement to Persevere in Honor God’s honor may not always mean earthly ease, but it always brings His nearness, guidance, and ultimate vindication. “He gives more grace…‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6) Keep honoring Him in the hidden, ordinary moments; He sees, remembers, and will honor you in His perfect way and timing. |
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