What causes most life pains is because we seek honor. We want people to speak good of us, see us as blessed, having beautiful clothes, good things, a good body shape, a good family, to see us as unique and special, more spiritual, achievers and victors, and to enjoy the honor that comes from that. This is the crown that many seek all through their lifetime.
But what if we lay them down and reject the honor by not esteeming what we have or who we are?
A crucified mind, crucified self, crucified heart is dead to honor. He or she doesn’t feel the pleasure of honor or the sting of dishonor. Feels no shame in lack, feels no rejection in loneliness, feels no pride in abundance. Isn’t grieved when mocked. Doesn’t feel naked when stripped.
Galatians 2:20
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Luke 9:23
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
A crucified mind is honorable to the Lord.
Everyone loves to be honored, valued, and recognized. Most times, this is what the world sees as a successful person. But what about how God sees it?
When a believer places down his or her honor, not wanting honor, glory, or recognition for himself, he gains honor with the Lord.
Nothing lasts forever. We only have a small time to prove to God where and who we really belong to, to self or to Him.
The struggle of honor is daily. No one wants to be called by a dishonorable name, or live a dishonorable life, but a man’s life doesn’t consist of the things he has, but what he can surrender as a return to his Maker.
Luke 12:15
“A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
The crown of self honor will fade, but the honor that comes from obedience and reliance on God crowns the soul.
