stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 2:29-30)

Honor is fast becoming something we’re losing sight of doing.  Dishonor, it seems, gets more laughs, ratings, and views. That doesn’t make it right.  In junior high, we would “talk trash” during sports.  At lunch, we would “dis” (disrespect) each other in what seemed like an insult competition. To “joan on” or “burn” someone was to make fun of them.  The goal was to have the best insulting remark that got the most laughs and high-fives. The flesh likes to give but not receive these put-downs.  I can honestly say I was never part of a compliment or honor competition in school.  

When Paul spoke about Epaphroditus, he didn’t do it in a junior-high manner.  Paul honored him by calling him a friend, fellow worker, brother, and soldier.  He then asked the Philippians to do the same.  In verse 29, Paul said, “Welcome him in the Lord with great joy and honor people like him.” How do you welcome someone in the Lord?  It means welcoming someone as the Lord would.  Jesus adopted us into His family by saving us through His sacrificial death on the cross.  We didn’t deserve it, but He forgave our sins anyway.  Our sins deserved condemnation and punishment, but He extended great mercy and compassion with unconditional forgiveness.  He generously lavished his love and inheritance of every spiritual blessing on our lives.  We should welcome others as Christ has welcomed us!  

How do we honor someone?  To honor someone is to bestow great value on them.  Honoring includes speaking highly and serving humbly. Romans 12:10 says, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” We think of others before ourselves when we honor them.  We follow the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) of doing unto others as we would have them do to us.  Paul gives specific reasons for honoring Epaphroditus beyond what he mentioned in verses 25-29.  In verse 30, Paul says he almost died for the work of Christ.  Epaphroditus “risked his life to make up for the help” they could not send to Paul themselves.  

Paul honored Epaphroditus by commending him before the Philippian believers.  Epaphroditus honored Paul by serving him.  He also honored the Philippian church by fulfilling the mission they sent him to do.  The Philippians honored Paul by sending Epaphroditus to serve Paul.  They all honored God with their words and actions.  Speaking of Epaphroditus, Paul said such people should be welcomed and honored!  What great examples they give us on how to honor God and others! It should be our honor and bring us great joy to honor others in the Lord!

Questions for the Head (Think)

• How well do you honor people in the Lord?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• As you take time to worship, honor the Lord by praying for those to whom honor is due.

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Whom do you know that has Epaphroditus’s qualities that you could honor?  What’s the best way to do this?  Plan to honor someone with words and actions in the next week.