Honor in a Cancel Culture

The speaker introduces the idea of living in an 'age of perpetual offense,' where individuals are quick to judge, criticize, condemn, and 'cancel' others for minor or past missteps. This extends beyond public figures to personal relationships, leading to estrangement over disagreements or perceived slights. He states that if one is continuously searching to be offended, they will always find it.

The video contrasts current cultural tendencies with biblical teachings, specifically Romans 12:10, which calls believers to 'honor one another above yourselves.' The speaker emphasizes that this means showing honor to others even above how one would honor themselves. He introduces the Greek words 'atemos' (without honor, common) and 'time' (to value, respect, esteem, precious) to define honor and dishonor. Honor builds up, encourages, and believes the best, while dishonor tears down, belittles, and assumes the worst.

The speaker differentiates between respect and honor: respect is earned, but honor is given. He argues that honor is a posture of the heart, a humility that recognizes God's creation in others, even if they aren't acting honorably. Giving honor, treating others as special and valuable, can often lead them to become more honorable. Conversely, belittling and criticizing can lead to more dishonorable behavior.

The video outlines four categories of individuals we are called to honor: (1) God, our creator and sustainer, through our wealth, bodies, and worship. (2) Our parents, teaching children to honor authority within the home. (3) Those in authority, emphasizing the ability to disagree without dishonoring and to pray for leaders. (4) Pastors and spiritual leaders, noting their worthiness of 'double honor' and extending this to those serving in church ministries.

Dishonor not only goes against God's will but also hurts the individual withholding it. Citing Mark 6:4-5, the speaker highlights that Jesus 'could not' perform many miracles in his hometown due to a lack of faith and honor. He suggests that a lack of honor can limit the blessings and answers to prayer God desires to give. The goal, as inspired by scripture, is to 'outdo one another in showing honor.'

The speaker takes a moment to personally honor his mother, father, wife, church leaders, late pastor, first responders, and the church community. He praises the church's courage, innovation, generosity, and commitment to spreading the gospel, particularly through the YouVersion Bible App, which originated from their local church.

Above all, the speaker honors the name of Jesus, recognizing Him as redeemer, king, savior, and lord. He warns against treating God as common or ordinary, stressing Jesus' divine status as the Prince of Peace, Lamb of God, Alpha and Omega. He uses the analogy of a Babe Ruth baseball bat, which gains immense value from its namesake, to illustrate that our value comes from the name of Jesus upon us.

Because Jesus' name is upon believers, they are not common or ordinary, and their only reasonable response is to honor Him with their whole lives. This includes honoring one another. The speaker declares a spirit of honor over the church, homes, and families, aiming for unity, healing, and hope. He encourages listeners to ask for forgiveness for any lack of honor and to allow God's spirit to empower them to honor Him and others, making Jesus first in their lives.