Success Scripture August 19, 2008

The curse of "honor"

It is interesting how most of us read "corrective" or "instructive" scriptures and think of how they apply to others. In fact, we often wish there was some way we could discretely pass it on to them.

Well, here is your chance because this one is a "double edged sword" and is meant for both people in ANY close relationship. This is a teaching for you to take to your heart and you can also forward it to those closest to you because they will see that you were instructed to do so. And, once they have read this, they will understand that you want to bless them and not to correct them.

Jesus showed how we take those closest to us for "granted" just because we know them.

- So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house." (Matthew 13:57)

God himself illustrates the mutual aspect of how honor is either increasing or decreasing.

"Therefore the Lord God of Israel says: 'I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.' But now the Lord says: 'Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed." (1Samuel 2:30)

Why is this important? Honor from strangers is welcomed and from friends it is gratifying, but from those closest to you, it is cherished. It is the antithesis of "hurt" in a relationship. The closer someone is to you, the more they can hurt you with how they treat you.

So, what is the "curse of honor"? If you are not honoring those closest to you... especially a husband or wife... you diminish their power to be a blessing to you. If you don't believe it, consider the very next thing that Jesus said after saying how they had not honored him,

"Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief." (Matthew 13:58)

They actually "cursed" themselves by missing out on the miracles that Jesus was not able to do. Think what He could have done if they had honored (believed in, supported, etc.) Him. That's the curse. If you don't honor those closest to you, you reduce, restrict, or even eliminate your own blessings that come through them.

Bottom line... you have to give it to receive it. Start by honoring the one who sent you this with a "thank you" for caring enough to honor you by sending this.

And, remember honor only has value when it comes from those closest to us. Once again, Jesus sets the example.

In John 8:54, "Jesus answered, "If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God."

You're blessed!

Bliss & Fire Team

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