Honour at the Core

In the first book of Samuel we find the story of how David hides from Saul in the wilderness. He has two opportunities to kill Saul, but refuses, since Saul is the Lord’s anointed. At this moment in time, I am giving you extended grace to exercise patience with your leaders. I am calling you to pray for those who have caused pain or mistreated you. I am raising you up to respect those in authority and to encourage your leaders. To speak well of them when no-one else does. Will you be that person?

Refuse to take offence. Ascribe value, esteem, and regard for my anointed ones even if you don’t always agree with them. I will empower you to render good for evil. I appoint you to demonstrate the upside down nature of my Kingdom and truly honour those in leadership and authority. Remain humble and I will lift you up. Act honourable and I will exalt you in the right time.

Activation: Spend time praying and giving thanks for your leaders today. Ask God how He wants to bless them. Ask how He sees the person. Pray into areas such as their families, their ministry, their future, their health, their spiritual journey and so on. If you feel comfortable, share what you have prayed with the person or message them a word of encouragement.

1 Samuel 26:23-24 (NIV)

The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. The Lord delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all trouble.

1 Thessalonians 5:12 (NLT)

Dear brothers and sisters, honour those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.

Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.