I have started reading a book that has been out since 2009. I have heard quotes from it numerous times in the past and appreciate the premise the author unfolds that we need to understand better. The book is Culture of Honor by Danny Silk.

The principle stated in Mathew 20:25-26 is something all of us need to know, understand and live by. “But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you, but whosoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.’”

A quote from one of the people that endorsed the book sums up the writer’s intent. “Danny’s call and challenge is for the Church to purposefully live empowered and empowering in the New Covenant through a compassionate, safe, liberating, relational culture free of fear, legalism, control, shame and impotent victimhood.” Wow! That is quite a mandate! How can we see that worked out practically in our lives as we walk together in Christian community?

Another quote from another endorsement describes this “culture of honor” as the very thing that will sustain a “movement” unlike anything else we have yet to experience. Most movements last less than ten years and the average time for a revival is less than five years. “It is not for lack of gifting or anointing, for that was present in abundance, but it was for lack of an understanding of the “culture of honor” that could allow leaders and followers to flourish in the empowering atmosphere it brings.” What does that look like?

“Free people cannot live together without honor.” I think this is true beyond the church and Kingdom of God as well but if we, the church, do not demonstrate it how can we expect our unsaved family, friends, neighbors and countrymen to honor one another? It is no wonder our nation no longer regards honesty, integrity, and honor to be necessary to further their cause or agenda. Until we demonstrate in our own Christian community what that should look like, we cannot expect the rest of our society to honor one another as they should.

Honor is greatly lacking in the church as well as secular society. Honor is something that we can give to another person. (Most of us are looking to receive honor). But we must come to the place where we can give it to anyone, even those we consider the least deserving. Learning to give value to those who least deserve it no matter their station in life is vital for the reformation of the church. It is easy to show respect and honor someone we consider deserving, but what about those who have nothing (seemingly) to contribute? Or those who we consider undeserving? These are questions I am asking myself – do I know how to honor others properly and can I help cultivate a culture of honor in the church?

Danny Silk says “The principle of honor states that accurately acknowledging who people are will position us to give them what they deserve and to receive the gift of who they are in our lives.” He goes on in the first portion of the book to describe church leadership as he has come to understand it and I must say, I have not personally seen nor been a part of an expression that looks like what he is describing. I am not trying to promote someone else’s understanding and way of operating but to simply learn from the general principles he is stating. What I do agree with is that each of us can participate in and help to create a culture of honor that hosts the presence of God. That should be something all of us desire to do. Your fellowship (church) may be very different from mine in its outward expression, but if it is done properly in our churches, then it can be expressed and experienced in the broader community at large where the life that is flowing among us is also experienced there. We are learning to bring heaven to earth!

If our leaders truly follow Jesus’ example, they will not only lead by example – serving with humility – but they will also raise up others to do the same. Jesus knew who He was and what He was put upon this earth to accomplish. Temptation did not side track Him, confusion did not torment Him and people’s weaknesses and sins did not deter His mission. He honored faith even if it came from a Gentile soldier or woman of questionable character. He looked into the heart of the parent of a child bound by a demonic spirit. Anyone who came to him was honored for their faith and not for their deeds.

Jesus was unable to do much in His own home town – because they could not find a place in their hearts to honor the One who had grown up among them. Dishonor caused their faith to be weak or non-existent. How many times has that happened to us? Someone we have known for a long time begins to excel in the areas the Lord has gifted them and many of us cannot receive the gift they bring because we know them too well “after the flesh” or by what our eyes see. Not a one of us is without faults and weaknesses. Jesus was the only perfect human to walk this earth but somehow we can excuse ourselves for our own faults but turn around and deal harshly with a brother or sister with a fault without really knowing their heart. I know the scriptures say “Love covers a multitude of sins” but what should that look like in a culture of honor? I think all of us need to ask the Lord to help us develop a culture of honor – in our homes, in our work places, in our churches and in our communities. What would it look like here in this city if this became a primary goal?