Rediscovering a lost virtue in a “me first” world …

In a world obsessed with self — self-love, self-care, and self-promotion — the idea of honoring others feels almost laughably outdated. Why put someone else’s needs before your own? Why treat others as though they are more important than you? For many of us — even those who profess to follow Christ — these concepts have faded into the background of a culture that worships independence and personal achievement. Yet, tucked within the pages of scripture is a countercultural call that could radically reshape our relationships, communities, and churches: the call to honor.

But what does it mean to honor others? And why is it so important?

The Bible’s definition of honor is simple but challenging. To honor someone means to treat them as valuable, to esteem them, and to recognize their worth. Not because they’ve earned it, not because they’re perfect, but because they’re made in the image of God.

Think about that. Every person you encounter, from the family member who pushes your buttons to the coworker who never pulls their weight, carries a God-given dignity. And scripture doesn’t just suggest that we honor others, it commands it:

• • “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other,” Romans 12:10.
  • “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves,” Philippians 2:3.
  • “Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority,” Romans 13:7.

This is a radical, selfless way of living that turns the world’s “me-first” mentality upside down.

Let’s be honest: honoring others doesn’t come naturally. We’re taught to prioritize self-preservation, to guard our time and energy, and to focus on achieving our own goals. Even within the church, we often slip into subtle self-centeredness, expecting to be served rather than to serve.

And yet, the example of Jesus calls us to something higher. When He knelt to wash His disciples’ feet — a job reserved for the lowliest servant — He didn’t just honor them; He showed us what honor looks like in action.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many,” Matthew 20:28.

Honoring others requires humility. It means setting aside our pride, our preferences, and our desire for recognition to elevate someone else.

Here’s where many of us get stuck: we think that honoring others means losing ourselves. But biblical honor isn’t about neglecting your own needs; it’s about breaking free from the prison of self-absorption. When we honor others, we’re reflecting the heart of Christ and tapping into the joy of loving selflessly.

Imagine the impact if every Christian lived this way:

• • In your family: What if you outdid one another in showing love? Not competitively, but genuinely, seeking ways to serve, encourage, and honor each other.
  • In your workplace: What if you honored your colleagues, even the difficult ones, by listening, helping, and treating them with kindness and respect?
  • In your church: What if honoring others became the norm, recognizing the contributions of those who serve behind the scenes, respecting leaders, and valuing every member of the body?

If this feels foreign or overwhelming, you’re not alone. Honoring others isn’t something that comes naturally; it’s something we grow into as we allow the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts. Start small and ask God to guide you:

• • Speak words of encouragement. Compliment someone’s effort, express gratitude, or affirm their unique gifts. Your words can be a powerful way to honor others.
  • Serve without strings. Look for ways to meet a need — help a friend, lend a hand to a neighbor, or put to use your spiritual gifts at your church — without expecting anything in return.
  • Respect authority. Even when you disagree, show honor to leaders in your community, workplace, and church as an act of obedience to God.
  • Celebrate others’ wins. Instead of comparing or competing, rejoice in others’ successes. This honors their achievements and reflects a Christlike humility.
  • Pray for a heart of humility. Ask God to help you see others as He sees them and to teach you how to live a life that reflects His love.

In a culture that says, “Put yourself first,” choosing to honor others is a radical act of faith. It’s a declaration that you belong to a different kingdom, one where humility, love, and servanthood reign.

The truth is, living this way will set you apart. It will challenge you. But it will also change you and the world around you.

Let’s not settle for a lukewarm faith that mirrors the culture. Let’s embrace the call to honor others, reflecting the heart of the One who honored us first by giving His life on the cross. What would change in your life, your family, your church, your community, if you started living a life of honor today?

Scotty