The Queen of Sheba
When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame, which brought honor to the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a large group of attendants and a great caravan of camels loaded with spices, large quantities of gold, and precious jewels.
When she met with Solomon, she talked with him about everything she had on her mind… King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba whatever she asked for, besides all the customary gifts he had so generously given. Then she and all her attendants returned to their own land.
— 1 Kings 10:1-2 & 13 NLT
In a world often driven by self-promotion, competition, and individualism, the concept of honour may seem antiquated or irrelevant. Yet, as Christians, we are called to uphold this timeless virtue, which remains a core element of our faith. Honour is not merely about how we present ourselves but fundamentally about how we see and treat others in light of Christ’s teachings.
The prophet Malachi, speaking to a complacent society, reminds us of the profound duty of honour in our relationship with God and one another. He portrays a world where the erosion of societal values can be traced back to diminished reverence for God. He highlights, "A son honours his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honour and respect I deserve?" (Malachi 1:6 NLT). This rhetorical question challenges us to reflect on our personal integrity and the respect we accord to divine authority.
Parallel to Malachi’s times, our contemporary society often showcases similar lapses in moral standards. Everyday acts, such as younger generations ignoring the elderly or the general public neglecting to assist those in need, not only mirror societal decline but also indicate a spiritual failing—a neglect of the inherent dignity bestowed by God upon every individual.
Honouring God extends beyond superficial acts; it is about honouring His word and reflecting His love and righteousness in our actions. The life of David illustrates this poignantly. Despite his many accomplishments, his actions regarding Uriah and Bathsheba revealed a heart momentarily turned away from God’s ways. The prophet Nathan's confrontation with David serves as a reminder that our external offerings and sacrifices mean little if our hearts are not aligned with God's will.
One narrative that illustrates the reciprocating nature of honour is the Queen of Sheba’s encounter with Solomon in 1 Kings 10:1-13. It shows how a respectful acknowledgment of others fosters honour in our own lives. Driven by a quest for understanding, the Queen first honoured Solomon with magnanimous gifts.
Her visit culminated in a hearty recognition of God's handiwork in Solomon’s rule, an honour not just for the man but for the divine guidance he embodied. In return, she was blessed with an enlightening and enriching encounter with Solomon, a generous send-off package, and a lasting recognition in the annals of Israel.
Today, we often witness the trivialization of divine and earthly authorities, treating them as equals rather than figures of reverence ordained by God. But Scripture reminds us that "God establishes authorities" (Romans 13:1), and our respect for these positions directly reflects our honour for the order God has instituted.
As we navigate this era of grace, we must ask ourselves: Has the honour due God changed because we are under grace? Certainly not. If anything, grace should amplify our honour for Him, for it is by grace that we are saved, not by our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). This grace invites us to offer our lives wholly to God, as true worship that transcends mere external observance.
Let us then, as a community of believers, recommit to honouring God fully—both in the secret places of our hearts and in our outward expressions. By doing so, we honour not only God but also His creation, leading lives that bear witness to the transformative power of His love and grace. This is the way of honour, a path marked by reverence, love, and a deep commitment to the values of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Let us recommit to a life of honour, recognising its broader implications not only in personal sanctification but also in fostering societal harmony. The way of honour calls us to contribute to the common good, promoting unity and peace across communities and nations. May we walk the path of honour with integrity, embodying Christ’s teachings and contributing to a world defined by justice, compassion, and respect for all.