Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and prostrated himself.
And David said, “Mephibosheth.” And he said, “Here is your servant!” David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you for the sake of your father Jonathan, and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall eat at my table regularly.”
2 Samuel 9:6-7
God’s got a thing for honor. God personally taught David about honor the day he clipped the edge of Saul’s robe off in the cave. David not only extended honor to King Saul but also to Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth two generations later. David would restore to him all that Saul owned, set up servants to steward everything for him, and insist that Saul’s grandson eat daily at his table as one of his own sons. David learned to honor and serve King Saul for seven years—even while Saul was trying to kill him. Honor is a test all leaders must pass before God will increase them. The lack of honor is also the reason Jesus couldn’t do miracles in Nazareth. Honor creates an atmosphere for God to work; a lack of honor in the environment inhibits God from working.
Here are a few ways in which leaders can show honor to an individual:
- Tell them what you admire about them, then ask them how they do what they do.
- Praise them publicly, then explain to the team why you value their performance.
- Speak to them about their contribution privately, then tell others how they add value to you, the team, and the organization.
- While in a three-person conversation, turn to one person and tell them what is amazing about the other person by using great and sincere adjectives to highlight their areas of giftedness.
REFLECT TO CONNECT
- Whom in your life does God desire you to show honor to?
- Are there people you have failed the “honor test” with?
- Why do you think “honor” is such a hot button with God?
Honor creates an environment for miracles; a lack of it can neutralize the power of God.
