Receiving Divine Honor

How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? (John.5.44).

There is a honour that comes from people and there is a honour that God gives. You can have one without the other but you cannot seek both. By nature, people appreciate ephemeral (temporal) things while God places value on eternal things. Humans celebrate what they can see (flashy things) while God celebrates genuineness (values). People focus on the outward appearances but God sees the heart.

When it comes to receiving Divine honour, God places it on people who come to Him for help to meet their spiritual needs. However, he doesn’t place it on the forehead but quietly approves the life. But receiving honour from people requires dancing to their tune every time to sustain their approval. Gaining God’s approval is superior to gaining people’s approval.

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt.3.17).

Gaining God’s honour doesn’t come by performance or acting up. It comes by the state of the heart that acknowledges Him. Christ was approved before he even began his mission on earth. It is imperative to know the love of God because it is about the most important thing for a healthy relationship with Him. It also helps us to show others the love we have received.

While it is good to love people and to be honoured by others, it could be poisonous if you are used to or rely on the honour that comes from people, you’re setting yourself up for heartbreak. Their approval becomes a tool for manipulation to get you do their bidding. Unfortunately, they don’t rate others for too long. They also criticize you to a fault.

© Olusola John.