Continue with Showing Honor In Our Day

Young ones should honor their parents: "Children, be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord, for this is righteous: 'Honor your father and your mother;' which is the first command with a promise: 'That it may go well with you and you may endure a long time on earth.' " In turn,parents honor their young ones, for they are told 'not to be irritating their children but to go on bringing them up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.'- Ephesians 6:1-4; Exodus 20:12.

Also to be shown honor are those who work hard at serving the congregation: " Let the older men who preside in a fine way be reckoned worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching." (1Timothy 5:17) One way we can show them this honor is by doing what Hebrews 13:17 states: " Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive.

Do we have to show honor to those outside the congregation? Yes, for example, we are instructed: "Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities." ( Romans 13:1) These are the secular rulers that Jehovah allows to exercise authority until his Kingdom replaces them. (Daniel 2:44) So we "render to all their dues, to him who calls for the tax, the tax; to him who calls for tribute, the tribute; to him who calls for fear, such fear; to him who calls for honor. (Romans 13:7) We are to "honor men [or, women] of all sorts." -1Peter 2:17.

While it is true that we are to honor even those outside the congregation, not what God's Word emphasizes: "As long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward those related to us in the faith." (Galatians 6:10) Of course, the best way that we can "work what is good" toward others is to cultivate and satisfy their spiritual needs. (Matthew 5:3) This we can do by heeding the apostle Paul's reminder: "Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright." When we tactfully utilize every opportunity to give witness, 'fully accomplishing our ministry,' we are not only doing good toward all but also showing honor to them.- 2Timothy 2:15; 4:5.

Next time: Honoring Jehovah