GOD HONOURS THOSE WHO HONOUR HIM

GOD HONOURS THOSE WHO HONOUR HIM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 11:6, 1 Chronicles 12:18

Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 2:30, Proverbs 3:9, Romans 12:10-11, Daniel 1:8-9, Matthew 25:21

INTRODUCTION:
Honour is a spiritual principle that draws divine attention. When individuals choose to honour God, whether through zeal, reverence, obedience, or service, they position themselves for divine promotion and favour. God is not indifferent to those who value His name, His house, or His purpose. Honour is not just expressed in words—it is shown through consistent actions and faithful service.

Joab's promotion in 1 Chronicles 11:6 was tied to his courageous act; Amasai's anointing in 1 Chronicles 12:18 came through his sincere loyalty and bold declaration. These two men teach us that honour towards God and His purposes will always attract divine reward. God does not forget the labour of love, nor does He overlook faithfulness.

In a generation where honour is often directed towards status, wealth, and power, the Lord is calling His people back to a heart of reverence, prioritisation of divine instruction, and selfless service. When you honour God sincerely, He ensures your life is marked with distinction, elevation, and lasting impact.

1. HONOURING GOD ATTRACTS DIVINE PROMOTION
God lifts those who put Him first and value His assignment above their own ambitions.

a) Zeal for God’s purpose leads to recognition
Joab’s elevation came not through lobbying or politics but through bold initiative for God’s agenda (1 Chronicles 11:6).

b) Those who honour God are marked for elevation
According to 1 Samuel 2:30, God promises to honour those who honour Him, but to lightly esteem those who disregard Him.

c) Honour unlocks favour with both God and man
Like Daniel who purposed in his heart not to defile himself, honour birthed favour with God and the king (Daniel 1:8-9).

d) Honour must be rooted in sincere motives
God discerns the heart; He rewards not just action but the motives behind our honour (Matthew 6:1-4).

Biblical Example:
Mordecai honoured the king and was later honoured by the king (Esther 6:10-11). More importantly, his integrity and commitment to what was right brought elevation when it mattered most.

2. HONOUR IS DEMONSTRATED THROUGH SPIRITUAL LOYALTY
True honour isn't silent admiration—it is vocal, bold, and backed by unwavering commitment.

a) Bold declarations reveal the heart of honour
Amasai’s words in 1 Chronicles 12:18 showed deep loyalty and alignment with God’s chosen.

b) Honour requires public identification with God's people
It is easy to honour God in secret, but divine reward often follows those who are not ashamed to identify with His cause (Romans 1:16).

c) Loyalty is a mark of honour
Honour expresses itself through consistent support even when things are not convenient or popular (Ruth 1:16-17).

d) The Spirit of God empowers honourable service
Amasai was filled with the Spirit when he spoke—showing that true honour flows from a Spirit-governed heart (1 Chronicles 12:18).

Biblical Example:
Jonathan honoured David, God's anointed, even at the cost of his future throne. His loyalty marked him as a man of great honour in God's sight (1 Samuel 18:1-4).

3. HONOURING GOD MEANS PUTTING HIM FIRST IN ALL THINGS
Honour is not seasonal; it demands consistency in prioritising God in every area of life.

a) Honouring God with possessions reflects trust
Proverbs 3:9 instructs us to honour the Lord with our wealth and the first fruits of our increase, indicating priority.

b) Honour requires sacrificial obedience
Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac was a powerful act of honour, showing God was first in his life (Genesis 22:1-18).

c) Honour God in secret and public spaces
Whether in prayer, giving, or service, God values those who honour Him even when no one is watching (Matthew 6:6).

d) God rewards consistency in honour
Consistent honour builds a testimony that attracts divine approval and open rewards (Matthew 25:21).

Biblical Example:
The Shunammite woman honoured Elisha by preparing a room for him. Her consistent honour attracted the miracle of a son and later resurrection (2 Kings 4:8-37).

CONCLUSION:
Honour is a divine key to favour, elevation, and recognition in the kingdom. Those who walk in honour are distinguished by God for uncommon exploits. Whether through zeal like Joab, loyalty like Amasai, or sacrificial obedience like Abraham, God always rewards those who esteem Him and His ways.

When you make honour your lifestyle—not just towards God, but also toward His people and His work—you become a candidate for divine visitation. Honour is not emotional; it is spiritual, intentional, and visible.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, teach me to honour You above all things in my life.
2. Father, may my heart be filled with zeal for Your house and Your purposes.
3. Lord, help me to identify and seize opportunities to honour You daily.
4. I receive grace to be loyal and faithful like Amasai and Jonathan.
5. Father, may my honour attract divine favour and open doors.
6. Lord, remove every trace of pride that hinders true honour in my heart.
7. I declare that I will honour God in secret and in public.
8. Lord, raise me up as a vessel of honour in my generation.
9. I receive the spirit of discernment to honour what You honour.
10. Father, let my honour for You provoke generational blessings in Jesus’ name.