THE PITFALLS OF DISHONOR
“Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He was amazed at their lack of faith. Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.” Mark 6:3-4, 6 NIV
Honor is a posture of the heart that recognizes the grace of God in another person. In Nazareth, Jesus stood before them as the Anointed One, the fulfillment of every promise they had prayed for. Yet familiarity blinded them, they could not see beyond the carpenter they grew up with. As a result, they withheld honor, and in doing so, they also withheld faith.
Dishonor is subtle. It often disguises itself as common sense: “I know who you are. I know your limits.” But when we dishonor the vessels God chooses to use, whether a pastor, a friend, a spouse, or even a younger believer—we unintentionally close the door to what God might have poured through them. Nazareth missed miracles not because Jesus lacked power, but because they lacked honor, which became a lack of faith.
The call for us is simple: cultivate eyes that look for God’s hand even in ordinary people. Honor elevates our expectation. Honor protects our hearts from cynicism. And honor positions us to receive from God wherever He chooses to speak.
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for this truth. Soften my heart to recognize your grace in others. Deliver me from the pride that assumes I already know what You can do through someone. Teach me to honor well so that my faith may remain open to your voice, your work, and your surprises, in Jesus name. Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Romans 12:10
• Matthew 10:40
• 1 Samuel 2:30
