We are taught in scripture that honor is one of the most important aspects of our lives. Every aspect of our lives revolves around honor in one form or another. Each of us have authorities that God has placed over us. If we honor our authorities, scripture teaches that it will be well with us and that we will have a richer understanding of God as our ultimate authority. What we must recognize is that honor is required regardless of agreement with authority. Honor is independent of agreement. All authorities will make mistakes, even violate God’s law Word, yet we are still called to honor regardless of agreement. Furthermore, we are called to honor our authorities even if they are enemies to us, (those that oppose God and are in open violation of His law Word), but we are not called to agreement with them. We must understand the distinction between agreement and honor. Honor is responding in a Christ like manner to the authority that God has placed over us. Agreement is oneness in conscious to that authority. Either way, honor is required, period.

If our boss has asked us to lie so that the company will profit, we are not required to follow his command. However, we are required to honor him in our response and our approach to such an evil request. Though his character is wicked, we are called to honor his position of authority, but not his sinful actions. We are called to stand up against the evil that has been asked of us, and at the same time respect the authority that is over us. If we are passive and accept what our boss has asked, in the name of “I was just following orders”, we dishonor the position of authority of our boss, and ultimately our creator God. Though agreement with our boss is not required to honor his authority, obedience to God’s word is required so that we may honor both our boss and our creator God. The same applies to all positions of authority.

If we are to honor authorities, we must hold ourselves accountable to the only standard that we have to follow, God’s word. In so doing, we will honor our authorities through our obedience to the scriptures.