In a world that seems increasingly chaotic and contentious, where people are quick to criticize and slow to show respect, there's a powerful principle that can transform our relationships and unlock God's favor in our lives: HONOR. As we navigate through what the Bible calls "the last days," understanding and practicing honor becomes more crucial than ever.

Paul warned Timothy about the challenging times ahead in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. He described how people would become "selfish, greedy, boastful and conceited... insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful and irreligious." These characteristics all point to one overarching theme: a culture of dishonor.

We see this playing out everywhere today - from news pundits yelling at each other to road rage in parking lots. It's become socially acceptable to criticize leaders, dishonor parents, and even mock God. But as followers of Christ, we're called to demonstrate a counterculture of honor.

Honor means to esteem something or recognize its value. When we truly value something, we elevate it to a place of prominence. Think about how collectors display their most precious items on the highest shelves, or how we stand to honor veterans on Veterans Day.

One problem with our understanding of honor is that most people distribute honor based on what they think others deserve. We've shifted from honor being principle-based to performance-based. But God's Word teaches us that honor isn't about who the other person is - it's about who you are. Honor isn't about what they've done - it's about what God is doing in you.

The power of dishonor is so strong that it can actually prevent God from working. In Mark 6, we read about Jesus returning to His hometown where people dishonored Him, saying, "He's just a carpenter... just the son of Mary." Because of their unbelief and dishonor, Jesus couldn't perform the miracles He wanted to do among them. What if your dishonorable attitude is keeping God from doing what He wants to do in your life? What if the breakthrough you've been praying for is being hindered by a lack of honor toward others?

First Peter 2:17 makes it crystal clear: "Honor everyone." This isn't a suggestion - it's a command that excludes no one. This means honoring:

• Those in authority over us (teachers, bosses, leaders)

• Those who can't do anything for us

• Those closest to us (family members)

When we honor those in authority, we demonstrate our trust in God. Romans 13:1 tells us that "all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God." Sometimes God places difficult leaders over us to grow our character and prepare us for greater leadership ourselves.

First Timothy 5 instructs us to give "double honor" to elders who rule well, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. Here's a crucial principle: you can only receive from what you honor. If you dishonor your spiritual leaders, you limit what you can receive from their ministry.

The level of honor you give determines what you receive. 

Sometimes the hardest people to honor are those closest to us. Familiarity can breed contempt, and we begin treating our family members as common or ordinary instead of recognizing their value. In marriage, couples often start with great honor - opening doors, cooking special meals, using pet names. But over time, they stop honoring each other and begin treating their spouse as common. The secret is that people become what you put in them. Treat someone with honor and they will live honorably. Your honor will lift them up.

"Honor your father and mother" is the only commandment directed specifically to children, and it's the only one that comes with a promise. God placed this in the top ten commandments because He wanted to establish a culture of honor from birth. Children who honor their parents grow up to honor teachers, employers, and community leaders. They become better leaders themselves. The promise attached to this commandment is powerful: "things will go well with you, and you will have a long life on the earth" (Ephesians 6:2-3).

The amount of honor you pour on others will be proportionate to the amount of favor God pours on your life. When you live a life of honor, God reaches down and lifts you to heights you could never achieve on your own. Honor gives you access to rooms and relationships that your natural gifts and talents alone couldn't provide. It's a spiritual principle that opens doors and creates opportunities.

What is your most difficult relationship - whether it's your spouse, boss, teacher, parent, or neighbor? Make a decision to honor them regardless of whether you think they deserve it. Remember, honor is decided, not deserved. The decision to honor is enough to shift a home, restore a relationship, and reestablish unity. When you commit to honoring others today, you'll start enjoying God's favor tomorrow.