Honor

After Octavian became Rome’s undisputed leader in 27 BC, the Roman Senate pondered the question of how to honor such a man. They decided to change the calendar, so his name would ring throughout history. Octavian had taken the title Caesar Augustus, o they renamed the eighth month August.

Even now every time we say August, we recognize the man who ruled Rome when Jesus was born. Every time we read the account of His birth, we are reminded that He was born in Bethlehem as a result of a decree from Caesar Augustus.

Many people focus on achieving this kind of recognition and fame and seek to have monuments built to celebrate their accomplishments.

People may seek these earthly rewards, but God has a different perspective. Jesus told a parable in Luke 14 about guests who were invited to a banquet. Some immediately sought to sit in “the places of honor” (v. 7), feeling they deserved special recognition. But Jesus taught that the right response was to “recline at the last place” (v. 10).

Instead of exalting ourselves, we are to humble ourselves. Realize that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (v. 11).

Jesus taught us to “seek the honor that comes from the only God” (John 5:44). Be sure you focus on serving Him. Humble yourself before Him. Seek first His Kingdom. Give Him all the glory and honor.