Held In High Honor

By Overseer Christopher J. Harris
        

In places of distinction and high esteem, there is a mandated and expected standard of behavior, dress, and decorum. Some restaurants require a dress code. Some offices, ceremonial or not, require specific salutations. For example, although an individual may no longer be the current United States President, they will always be referred to as Mr. President. That’s holding them in high esteem.

This idea of high esteem even makes its way into homes. Were you privileged to either live in a home or have family members that required you to remove your shoes before you entered their home? Or even some rooms that were considered off limits during every day activity? These rooms, homes, carpets, and furniture pieces were held in high esteem.

To hold in high esteem is to give something its reasonable honor, to regard it with respect and dignity. It means literally to have a high opinion of something. God understood this reality so well that He required His chosen people to understand it as a law. In Exodus 20: 7 (Message), God speaks saying, “No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter; God won't put up with the irreverent use of his name.”

I want to be very honest with you. There have been times that out of habit, I have used God’s name in silly banter. In my every day conversation I have invoked God’s name without holding it in high honor and esteem. There have been times that I have respected a person with a title or a room with white carpet or even a physical possession like a car, clothes, or shoes more than I have esteemed God for who He is.

It is not until you have an opportunity to let the truth of these scriptures sink in that the Holy Spirit has opportunity to convict you of this truth: We must set the standard for holding God in high honor.

When God’s real power is revealed, even unbelievers will pause to reverence His power and glory. In Acts 19: 11-20, the power of God was revealed so powerfully that, “Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly” (NIV). This is the truth of what happens when, not unbelievers, but those that have become ambassadors of God hold Him in high esteem.

We understand the notion of rolling out the red carpet, reserving the best seats for VIPs, making sure that the facilities, vehicles, and staff are all primed and ready to receive special guests when they arrive. We painstakingly go through every fine detail to make sure that it’s a high standard for these very important people. This sort of consideration MUST be extended to our Creator, Sustainer, Provider, Banner, Healer, and Shepherd. He’s literally the “I Am,” who has no beginning nor ending. It will take some thinking before we speak and act, but if we don’t hold him in high honor, there is no one else who will. Watch your silly banter or irreverent use of God, His name, or even His work. He’s so much more than what we’ve reduced Him to. In truth, He’s the greatest VIP.

Scripture Of The Week: "No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter; God won't put up with the irreverent use of his name." - Exodus 20:7 (MSG)

Christopher J. Harris, a native of Palatka, FL, is Chief of Staff/Director of Church Operations of the historic mega-church Fellowship Church of Chicago. He is also Overseer of Youth for Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. Harris currently resides in Chicago with his wife and children. http://www.ChristopherJHarris.com…