Honor them

"Welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away." Philippians 2:29,30

Every day runners and athletes are honored for their contribution to their sport. Crista Earl, a visually impaired runner was honored by the New York Road Runners Club in February, the Kenyan Boston Marathoners were honored on April 17th and Kobe Bryant was recently honored by ESPN. With so many people being honored, what does it mean to really honor someone? Dictionary.com defines it as to hold a person in honor or high respect, to revere or to confer honor or distinction upon.

Paul the apostle talks about giving honor in his letter to the church in Philippi when he informed them that Epaphroditus, his helper, would be coming to visit them soon. He asked that they, "welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. For he risked his life for the work of Christ.." So, while the world gives it's highest respect to people who are rich, beautiful, powerful or have special talents, we, the church, should be honoring those like Paul and his helper who do the work of Christ.. those whose lives are devoted to God's calling, here and overseas, who are living a "life for the work of Christ" every day. 

And what greater way would there be to honor them than to pray for them? Each and every day, may we lift up our pastors, missionaries and the Christ followers that provide ministry at home, across the country and across the world. But most of all, let us honor the King of Kings, the One who is truly deserving of all of our honor, praise and worship! 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Christians around the world that are willing to work tirelessly for the Kingdom. Help us to hold in high respect all those who serve, from our youth group leaders to the missionaries deep in the heart of Africa. May we make it our daily habit to pray for them as they live to do the work of Christ. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

We go - Matthew Parker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17S3-HJwhI8