Giving honor to other people is a special principle of godly living. One of the Ten Commandments is to honor one’s parents (Ex. 20; Deut. 5). Giving honor is not only for parents but for all those “to whom honor is due” (Rom. 13:7). As we pass honor upwards, God passes blessings downwards toward us in return. A little bit of honor goes a long way.
The issue is not so much the worthiness of the other person (I Cor. 12:23), but developing the character quality of respect. If we have respectful attitudes, then it is “safe” for God to give us glory and honor without it ruining us. Ultimately God wants to “glorify” us (Rom. 8:18, 30; I Cor. 2:7, Heb. 2:10). Respecting others in this life is part of the training to be qualified for glory in the world to come.
Over the years, the problem I have seen that has caused more damage than any other is “wounded pride” or “offended honor,” particularly among leaders. We are to do nothing out of vain pride and competition (Gal. 5:26); but to consider all others as more honorable than ourselves (Rom. 12:10, Phil. 2:3). Yeshua Himself gave up honor for the sake of helping others (Phil. 2:7). If we do the same, we can become more gracious and Christ-like in our own lives.
Asher serves as president of Tikkun Global family of ministries and congregations, dedicated to the dual restoration of Israel and the Church. He is founder of the Revive Israel five-fold ministry team, and oversees both Ahavat Yeshua and Tiferet Yeshua congregations in Israel.
He and his wife Betty share a passion for personal prayer and devotion, local evangelism and discipleship in Hebrew, and unity of the Body of believers worldwide.
Asher was raised in a conservative Jewish home and holds degrees from Harvard University, Baltimore Hebrew College and Messiah Biblical Institute. He has authored numerous books, tracts and articles.