Pastor Chip Kawalsingh

1 Samuel 2:30 (NKJV) – But now the LORD says: ‘Far be it from Me; for those who honour Me I will honour, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.’

Honour is a beautiful word; it’s also delicious when seen in its full glory. In some cultures, honour for elders, leaders and those in authority is instinctive; in other cultures it must be taught. Even with great teaching and the best of intentions the sense of honour can be eroded over time by one thing: over-familiarity. This can happen in the home with parents and kids, at work, and also within the Church – with God’s standard in His word, as well as how we treat our leaders. Over-familiarity will kill your potential and ultimately destroy your destiny!

Colossians 3:19-21 (MSG) – Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don’t take advantage of them. Children, do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master no end. Parents, don’t come down too hard on your children or you’ll crush their spirits.

When we mistreat others, especially those in authority, it goes against all that His Word stands for. Even when we say ‘I was just joking’, God takes our words, emails and texts very seriously. Something I often do is stop and re-read that email or text before I send it in order to make sure it doesn’t carry the wrong tone with it. It’s possible to say the right thing but in the wrong way, and in doing so it becomes wrong!

1 Peter 2:13-15 (NLT) – For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honour those who do right. It is God’s will that your honourable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.

We must be very careful how we speak about those in authority; our teachers, our pastors, our leaders, and yes, our parents. Foolish, careless words can bruise and cause damage far greater than we can see. Even words spoken over a child or leader can hinder for many years!

The Bible warns very strongly against gossip and slander, saying that those who live this way will see the full vengeance of God. If you have nothing good to say, then say nothing; this can save your life! The Bible also tells us that an accusation brought against a pastor or leader is a serious thing. Be warned!

1 Timothy 5:11-15 (NLT) – The younger widows should not be on the list, because their physical desires will overpower their devotion to Christ and they will want to remarry. Then they would be guilty of breaking their previous pledge. And if they are on the list, they will learn to be lazy and will spend their time gossiping from house to house, meddling in other people’s business and talking about things they shouldn’t. So I advise these younger widows to marry again, have children, and take care of their own homes. Then the enemy will not be able to say anything against them. For I am afraid that some of them have already gone astray and now follow Satan.

Most of the time people expect to get what they themselves give. When we honour our parents, our teachers, our pastors and all those in authority, it brings glory to God. Honour brings with it blessings, prosperity and long life. Give it and you will get it!

Ephesians 6:2-3 (NLT) – “Honour your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honour your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”