How can we honor others as Mordecai was honored in Esther 6:11? Honoring That Begins with God • Esther 6:11: “So Haman took the robe and the horse, robed Mordecai, led him on horseback through the city square, and proclaimed before him, ‘This is what is done for the man whom the king desires to honor.’ ” • Proverbs 21:1 reminds us that “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.” God Himself orchestrated Mordecai’s honor; likewise, every opportunity we have to honor someone flows first from His sovereign hand. • Romans 13:7 commands, “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due, revenue to whom revenue, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor.” We honor because God says so, and because He models it. Seeing Honor through Mordecai’s Story • Public recognition: The king did not hide Mordecai’s reward; he placed it in the public square. • Personal involvement: Haman, the highest official after the king, physically robed Mordecai and led the horse. Elevating others often requires our own hands-on participation. • Clear proclamation: Words were spoken aloud so all could hear. Honor involves explicit affirmation, not silent admiration. Practical Ways to Honor Others Today • Speak commendation aloud – Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” – Offer specific praise at home, work, and church; mention concrete actions and character traits. • Engage your resources – Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you.” – Use finances, skills, or networks to advance another’s calling, scholarship, or ministry. • Elevate them publicly – Philippians 2:3–4 urges believers to “in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” – Write letters of recommendation, nominate for awards, highlight achievements in group settings. • Serve sacrificially – John 13:14: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” – Take an unglamorous role so that someone else can stand out. • Protect their reputation – Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” – Shut down gossip; speak truth that guards a brother’s or sister’s good name. Guardrails that Keep Honor God-Centered • No flattery: Psalm 12:2-3 warns against flattering lips. Honor must be truthful. • No partiality: James 2:1-4 forbids favoritism based on status. We honor according to godly character, not worldly rank. • No self-praise: Proverbs 27:2 advises, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” Honoring others cures self-promotion. The Fruit that Follows God-Honoring Words and Deeds • Strengthened unity (Psalm 133:1) as mutual respect deepens fellowship. • Encouraged perseverance (Hebrews 10:24) when believers “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” • Witness to outsiders (John 13:35) who see Christ’s love displayed in tangible affirmation. Stepping Forward Honor is not occasional applause but a lifestyle that mirrors the King who honored us through the cross (Romans 5:8). Like Mordecai riding through Susa, brothers and sisters today should experience God’s delight through our words, actions, and advocacy. |
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