Want to Receive Honors or Honor? – How about Both?
I have the privilege of writing this article for our 52-Week Plan readers from Jerusalem, Israel. Carol and I were honored by some friends of ours to be invited to join a group of ministry leaders on this special tour. We are still in awe of how God did this and how we got to come. (Want to know how it came about? If you want to take the time, the explanation is at the end. You will see why we feel so honored and blessed?)
Between the time last fall when we learned of this trip and today, March 14, 2023, I have been focused on the lives of two great men: Frederick Douglas and Martin Luther. Not sure why exactly, but they caught my attention big time! Both men were (still are) instrumental in the freedom movement that has been a part of our history not only in the USA but around the world.
Martin Luther, though he didn’t set out to create a movement, nonetheless, became inspiration for many freedom-seekers in Germany, Europe, then in the colonies of the new world in the United States, and beyond. The reformation was messy and at times chaotic, not orderly and neat. The ideas of freedom of conscience, personal choice, and taking responsibility for one’s life grew like weeds from the cracks in the stone walls of cold religion in Europe. They took root and eventually weakened the walls of stagnant self-righteousness, and many people burst from the control of the established order. They sought to know and understand God for themselves.
Frederick Douglas, a slave on a Maryland plantation, experienced degradation at the hands of so-called religious people (even clergy and church leaders who spoke of freedom in Christ on one day and robbed slaves of their freedom every day). Douglas had the spirit of freedom fanned by articles and pamphlets he read, only after learning – against all odds – to read and write. After running away to the north and marrying, he established a new life and became a powerful voice in speech and writing for the abolition movement.
I am struck by the tenacity of Frederick Douglas and Martin Luther, moved by their suffering, and inspired by their dependence on and love for God. Martin Luther and Fredrick Douglas loved those they set out to free — – those bound by chains of iron or of cold religion and ignorance. The freedom they found in Christ powered their vision and drive.
There is no reason in the world why you and I can’t be the next Martin Luther or Frederick Douglas for our family, our friends, and our neighbors by living in the power and freedom Jesus offers us and empowers us to share.
Consider Jesus Christ as once rejected by those He came to save, then crucified and resurrected. No one deserves honor and respect more than He; yet, He suffered humiliation and shame from those He came to save. But He received both respect and love from His Father. Life is a precious gift. If we are honored here on this earth, so be it; but let’s live to receive honor from our Lord and a “well-done, good and faithful servant” when we meet Him.
Much is at stake. Shall we pray and ask God to use us with one or two, or a hundred, or a thousand lives to help them find how valued they are? Shall we honor God and others by living honorable, Spirit-controlled lives? Let’s start by learning to honor and show value and care to others… starting at home.