I get to work with some amazing people. I’m now in Yokohama, Japan meeting with a dozen church planters and missionaries who are serving all over Asia. Wish I could tell you all God is doing in nations that are rumored to be closed and restricted—but posting too much info could land some of my friends in jail.
Japan is an interesting place. I feel a bit like Bill Murray in “Lost in Translation.” All the bowing and respect for authority got me thinking about the lost art (at least in the West) of respect and honor.
Respect is earned.
Honor is owed.
Respect is based on how a person performs.
Honor is based on a person’s position.
The Bible tells us to honor our father and mother—not because we think they deserve respect or honor—but because of their position.
Whether or not I respect a person says something about THEIR life, values, and character. Whether or not I honor a person says something about MY life, values, and character.
We honor parents, pastors, police, and presidents because of their positions. Whether or not we respect parents, pastors, police, and presidents is based on their attitudes and actions—but whether or not we respect them, we must honor them.