Honor

In a world chasing recognition, honor reminds us that true greatness comes not from fame, like Caesar Augustus, but from living humbly before God.

“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.”—Luke 2:1 NASB

After Octavian, who had taken the name Caesar Augustus, became Rome’s undisputed leader, the Roman Senate pondered how to honor him. They decided to change the calendar, calling the eighth month August, so his name would ring throughout history.

Every time we refer to the month August, we recognize this Octavian. Every time we read the account of Jesus’ birth, we see He was born in Bethlehem because of a decree from Caesar Augustus.

Many people focus their lives on achieving this kind of recognition. They want to receive the applause of the crowd and have their careers and accomplishments celebrated. While people may seek these kinds of earthly rewards, God has a different perspective.

Jesus described how guests who had been invited to a banquet immediately sought to sit in “the places of honor.” He taught that the right response was to “take the last place.” We’re to humble ourselves and value the favor of God, realizing that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:7–11). We’re not to seek to “receive honor from one another” but “seek the honor that comes from the only God” (John 5:44 NKJV).

Focus on serving and pleasing God. Humble yourself before Him. Seek first His Kingdom, and give Him glory and honor.

Reflection Question: How are you choosing God’s honor over the world’s applause?