Main Thought
One of our primary goals in the Every Nation Family, both locally and globally, is to honor God. Honor expresses itself practically through our priorities and focus. King Solomon started out honoring God. But, as he became successful, his honor shifted to other things. He wantonly pursued women and wealth. Solomon lost his sense of meaning after misplacing his honor. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was insane. Eventually, he “lifted his eyes toward heaven.” He changed his focus and honored God, who is the highest authority. Then his sanity returned. As Christians, we follow the example of King Jesus. Jesus honored God the Father above His own desires. (Matt. 26:39; Mark 14:36; etc.) As a result, God honored and blessed Him. When we honor God, He honors us in return!
Main Passages
1 The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: 2 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” 3 What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?
- Ecclesiastes 1:1-3
34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever…
- Daniel 4:34
“In the beginning was the Word (Reason), and the Word (Reason) was with God, and the Word (Reason) was God.”
- John 1:1
Discussion Questions
Who, or what, are you honoring most with your life? Questions that might help you process this include...
What’s your greatest focus or priority? What occupies your thoughts most?
Does your schedule and/or spending align with who or what you’d like to honor most?
Honor is connected to purpose or reason. Does your answer (or answers) to Question One provide a purpose worth living for?
Is there a change you can make in your life to honor God, or prioritize Him, practically?
Can something change in your: Schedule? Habits? Attitude? Relationships?