The Gift of Motherhood

When I was young, Dad preached for 10 years. So, I heard about 1,000 of his sermons. I can distinctly remember only four:

• The one when he knocked over the vase of flowers sitting beside the podium.
• The one when he accidentally spit out his dentures...and caught them!
• The one when he called me to the front for misbehaving.
• The one on mercy.

I learned many lessons in life from my dad, but most of them were not from his sermons, and most of them were after college. The overwhelming majority of life’s lessons were learned in the home...in the kitchen...from my mom. Some of those lessons are as vivid today as if they had occurred yesterday; a lesson on lying and deceit, and one on pride. (Yes, I was guilty on both occasions.) Yet, most lessons were hidden in the myriad of mundane day-to-day activities and rather boring conversations.

Without taking her hands out of the dishwater or even glancing my direction she would instill a better attitude, correct childish reasoning, or question a faulty plan. There was nothing so profound as to be written down; nothing so wise as to be quoted. Yet, lessons, dozens and dozens of lessons, life lessons, taught, repeated, and lived out in practice each day.

My purpose is not to glorify my mother, but to magnify the God-given role of motherhood.

The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy concerning the role of women, but his instruction is not widely accepted today, even in the church. Paul reminded Timothy of Eve’s place in the creation order, and also of the deception of Eve. It is clear in the creation narrative that things changed for women as a result of Eve’s sin, and that change remains in force today. Then Paul made a rather remarkable statement:

But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

--1 Timothy 2:15

Surely, Paul was not referring to ‘labor and delivery’ but rather the role of motherhood. You see, God did not strike Eve down and call for a ‘do-over’ so that he could create a ‘new and improved’ Evelyn for Adam. God extended mercy to Eve and to all women in the role of motherhood.

‘Mom’ is one of the greatest influences, if not the greatest influence, on the life of every person. Mothers instill values deep within a child which will last a lifetime.

Dads, you have the responsibility of making sure your children love and honor their mother. Your task does not necessarily end after they leave home. Do your part to help your wife fulfill her role as mother.

Children, most of you have a mother who is there for you more than dad. In fact, it is easy to see her as usual, boring, and sometimes an obstacle to your otherwise exciting life. Thank God that she is there for your mundane, boring life, day after day after day. I’m serious, thank God for her. She...loves...you! God expects you to love and honor her...EVERY day, not just on Mothers' Day.

Moms, our society does not value the role of motherhood but promotes a self-serving attitude in women. Are you willing to agree with society’s thinking? Think about it. What is more important than the task of nurturing and instructing your own children in the Lord? 

Honor the Lord by taking very seriously your honorable God-given role as mother.

Mark Stinnett

May 10, 2026

Honor Upside Down

Before he wore the title ‘apostle’ and went by the name ‘Paul,’ Saul of Tarsus was an enemy of Christianity. He was present at the stoning of Stephen, a disciple of Jesus, and clearly gave his approval. He had gone to the high priest of the Jews to ask for letters authorizing him to arrest disciples of Christ. Notice again, he had gone to the high priest.

After his conversion to Christ, the Apostle Paul began preaching the gospel. Because of his new allegiance to Christ, the Jews turned against him. When visiting Jerusalem on one occasion, he was falsely accused of preaching against the Law of Moses and defiling the temple of God. For that reason he was brought before the Jewish council among whom was the high priest.

In the course of his defense for preaching the gospel Paul indicated that he had lived his life with a good conscience before God. The high priest commanded those standing next to Paul to strike him on the mouth. Paul immediately responded, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?” (Acts 23:3)

Someone near Paul said, “Do you revile God’s high priest.” Then Paul replied, “I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’” (This was undoubtedly a different man serving as high priest than the one Paul knew earlier.)

Of all people, the high priest of the Jews should have recognized the Messiah. The high priest should have realized that Jesus fit the description, that He was the Messiah. If not during the earthly ministry of Jesus, the high priest should have been one of the early converts to Christianity. Yet, rejecting Jesus the Messiah, the high priest ordered Paul to be struck for saying that he had followed Jesus in good conscience. It was completely upside down, circumstances that should never have developed. Even so, Paul recognized the position of the high priest when it was pointed out and he acknowledged that he had spoken wrongly against the high priest. Paul displayed honor in an upside down situation.

Jesus was on trial before King Herod and before Pilate, a Roman governor. How upside down was that?! God declared that Jesus of Nazareth was His only begotten Son. Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy as the Messiah of God. That means that He was the prophesied ’king.’ Upon His ascension Jesus entered into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God, language describing His enthronement. King Herod should have bowed to honor Jesus. Pilate should have been on trial before Jesus. Caesar should have made his way to Judea to find Jesus and show honor to Him. Upside down!

In his earthly ministry Jesus acknowledged the authority of Caesar by paying His taxes and He taught others to do so as well. When on trial He did nothing and said nothing disrespectful toward the Jewish authorities, King Herod or Pilate. The One who would soon be enthroned as King of kings showed honor to human authorities in an upside down world.

We recognize that we are still living in an upside down world. Elected officials make ungodly decisions at the city, county, state, and federal levels of government. It should not be that way. They should know better. The inequities anger us. Peter instructed Christians to submit to governing authorities. The honor we show human authorities is rooted in our respect for God and His authority. 

“Honor the king” (even in an upside down world).

The Apostle Paul did. 

Jesus the Messiah did.

What about you??

Mark Stinnett

March 1, 2026

Honor in Impossible Circumstances

"Fiery Furnace" Painting
by Toros Roslin, 1266

During the rule of the maniac emperor Caesar Nero, Peter wrote and circulated a letter among Christians in which he instructed: “Honor the king.”

In my previous blog the example of Daniel was used to suggest proper attitudes and behaviors for one desiring to live out this instruction. Undoubtedly you will remember that Daniel was not the only young noble taken from Jerusalem. With him were Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, better known by their Babylonian names, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Their example also provides instruction in honoring those in authority.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego had been trained so they could enter in to the king’s service. Along with Daniel, they were given important roles of authority in the service of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. It is not surprising that they were in attendance when the king had gathered all the nobles of his empire to a celebration in which he unveiled a 90-foot golden image. Everyone was instructed to bow and worship the image when they heard the sound of musical instruments. There were consequences for anyone who refused to bow. Offenders would immediately be thrown into a fiery furnace to be burned alive.

Do you remember the general circumstances? Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego were young Jewish nobles carried from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. Their forefathers had turned away from God to serve idols. After sending many prophets, God warned that he would bring an enemy against them for their idolatry. That enemy was Nebuchadnezzar. So, the nation of Judah was captive in Babylon because of idolatry.

Unlike the brutal Assyrians who conquered nations and then intermixed the survivors, the Babylonians took other nations captive but kept them intact within Babylon. So, the Jews, for example, were able to preserve their national identity and maintain their religion and other customs.

So, Nebuchadnezzar called together all the “satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces” to view and worship his golden image. Many of these rulers would have been like Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, men from other nations under the power of king Nebuchadnezzar; men who had been brought to Babylon and trained in service to the king.

Perhaps it is now clearer why Nebuchadnezzar had the fiery furnace death trap on site. Not all of his kingdom’s rulers were happy to be there. This was an occasion on which the king would assert his strength and solidify their service to him, if not willingly, then by force!

But the three young Jewish men refused to bow and were discovered and brought before the king. Though furious, Nebuchadnezzar gave them a second chance to bow. However, they refused saying that there was no need to go any further because they were not going to bow.

On the surface, the three appear to have been rebellious, and to a degree, they were. However, within their refusal to bow was a display of honor. In short, they told the king that he did not have to offer a second chance (which would have publicly mocked him and mocked his image). Theirs was a guilty plea and acceptance of their consequences. So, they first honored God in their rebellion against the king. Yet, even in impossible circumstances, these men demonstrated self-restraint and courageous humility by not making a spectacle of the king. Their boldness should not be remembered as defiance, but allegiance to God and humble honor toward the king when faced with an impossible situation.

Mark Stinnett

February 22, 2026

Honor in Challenging Circumstances

God desires for His people to be holy. Specific applications regarding holy behavior are found in 1 Peter. According to Peter’s instruction, God’s people are to submit to governing authorities including the king and governors. Peter wrote, “Honor the king” (2:17). That was a reference to the top ruling official in the land and applies to a president or prime minister or chairman (alternative titles of top leaders).

Many Americans give little or no thought to using harsh criticism, slanderous speech, and even hate speech against elected officials. They do so hiding behind ‘free speech.’ Unfortunately, some who claim to be Christians jump on the harsh speech bandwagon and in doing so intentionally dishonor the president. God does not guarantee free speech. He expects better.

The first recipients of Peter’s letter lived under the rule of the maniac emperor Caesar Nero. So, “honor the king” meant, “Honor Nero!”

What does it look like to honor a governing official who does not honor God? The Old Testament prophet Daniel provides a beautiful example.

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, king of the first world empire, marched into Jerusalem and took many valuables, but also “some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles….” (1:3) Among those taken was Daniel. He, along with three other young men, was placed under the supervision of “the commander of the officials.” In general terms, this man governed over him.

Daniel and his friends were placed in a training program after which they would enter into the king’s personal service. They were appointed “a daily ration from the king’s choice food.” (1:5) However, Daniel believed the king’s food would make him unclean according to the Law of Moses. So, he determined not to defile himself. But, as a captive what could he do?

Daniel did not cross his arms in defiance and refuse to eat. He did not make a scene by vigorously protesting. He did not lash out or conspire with his friends by harshly criticizing their supervisor or the king. Rather, he asked permission to eat a different diet that he knew would not defile him.

Some time later, after having been placed in the king’s service, Daniel had the opportunity to interpret a dream that troubled King Nebuchadnezzar. God gave Daniel the interpretation of the dream, but it was not good news for the king. Nevertheless, Daniel delivered God’s message accurately and entirely. Surprising to some is the way Daniel prefaced the message: “My lord, if only the dream applied to those who hate you and its interpretation to your adversaries!” (4:8) Daniel had sincere respect for his pagan captor. Then, immediately after telling the king that God would bring him low and remove him from his throne, Daniel advised the king to turn from his sins by being righteous and by showing mercy to the poor.

Daniel’s examples teach us some things about submitting to authority:

• Daniel humbled himself and asked permission instead of protesting.
• Daniel told the truth, even though it was bad news.
• Daniel showed respect to his supervisor and to the king.
• Daniel displayed a genuine concern for the king and truly desired his welfare. He knew the king was a servant of God. (Cf. Romans 13:1-7.)

By honoring those in authority over him, Daniel drew attention to the God of heaven in a positive way. At all times he maintained his purity before God. By honoring the king he ultimately demonstrated honor toward God.

Honor those in authority. Your example and influence might save a soul.

Mark Stinnett

February 15, 2026

It’s Not Fathers’ Day (But You’re Still the Dad) (Pt. 5)

Part 5: Honor

God has assigned the primary role of leadership and discipline in the home to fathers. The last few blogs have focused on the text of Ephesians 6:4. Prior to that instruction (verses 1-3), the Apostle Paul addressed children:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother...that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.

Many years ago, when my children were small, it occurred to me that this instruction could not possibly be directed at very young children; they cannot read! I reasoned that as parents, my wife and I had the initial responsibility to teach our children to “honor your father and mother.”

How do you teach honor??

It is likely that you have been touched by stories or news clips in which honor was shown to someone in our military. It might have been a crowd of people gathering to celebrate a soldier returning home from duty. It might have been the moment when the solemn silence at a funeral of a fallen hero is broken by the eruption of the 21-gun salute and the mournful call of the bugle playing Taps. Or perhaps you have witnessed a small child standing at attention to salute a soldier in uniform. Honor.

A father instructs his son regarding our nation’s flag. He teaches the meaning of the stars and the stripes. He remembers aloud those who have sacrificed so much for the freedom it symbolizes.

A mother tells her children about their two grandfathers who served in the military. She displays pictures of the men in uniform as she relates stories which had been told her. She shows her children the folded flags displayed on the mantle to honor the service of each man.

A schoolteacher teaches, not merely the words, but the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance.

There are many ways to illustrate honor for our country and those in uniform. The common element in all of these is value. Honor is given to people and things that we greatly value. Our value is evident by the way we speak and how we show respect. We draw special attention to the things and people we value. We commit ourselves in loyalty and service to the objects of our honor. We protest and even punish dishonor of any kind.

Dads, value your wife and demand that your children cherish and value their mother. Moms, value your husband and demand that your children value and respect their father.

Value godly character in your home. Tell your children: This is how we act. This is how we speak. This is what we say. This is who we are. Then, be sure to demonstrate those same godly values.

Are you loyal to God? Do you value His word? Do you honor His people? Do you value spiritual ideals? Demonstrate these in your own life and expect these in your children.

One of the most important ways to teach honor is to teach obedience. Disobedience is nothing other than dishonor. Yet, obedience honors parents and honors God. A wise parent will discipline disobedience and dishonor.

Finally, when your children honor you, even if you do not feel deserving, accept the honor. In doing so, you allow them to fulfill God’s instruction to honor father and mother. Honor is good. Honor is right. Model and teach honor!

Mark Stinnett

June 1, 2025

Benefits of Discipline in the Home

Out of a skewed sense of love some parents cater to every whim of their child. They believe that answering “Yes” to every desire shows love. However, a skewed sense of love teaches the child a skewed sense of reality. The child is not the center of the universe. The child is not entitled. The child is not deserving.

God desires people to be selfless, not selfish. He wants us to look out for the interests of others, not just ourselves. He wants us to be like Christ. (Philippians 2:4)

Discipline is the tool parents use to teach sharing, thoughtfulness, kindness, and service. “No” is often a more loving answer than “Yes,” at least when teaching the ideals of God.

Some have thought that a person free from restraint will prove to be highly creative. However, history bears out the opposite. The greatest discoveries and inventions have been the products of persistence and determination in overcoming obstacles, nature’s way of saying, “No.”

Parents, discipline is a key element in the development of creativity in a child. It helps them to understand how do deal with obstacles and limitations in life and to form a disciplined lifestyle. That self-discipline will also help them to excel in doing good works and ministering to others as God desires. (Ephesians 2:10)

Undisciplined children tend to have a skewed sense of self-importance. They expect things to work out in their favor. They expect others to make sacrifices for them. They might have a sense of benevolence, but prefer to use the resources of others instead of their own.

Discipline is a key element in teaching a strong work ethic, patience while saving money, self-sacrifice, and generosity toward others. God teaches His children to work so that they will have something to share with those in need. (Ephesians 4:28)

There are often natural consequences, such as a blister on the finger when touching a hot surface. However, not all actions in life come with immediate consequences. For example, telling a lie might go unnoticed without consequences. Saving money has no immediate reward. One function of parental discipline is to teach a child about consequences when natural consequences are not immediate.

When, through discipline, consequences are learned, justice is taught, laying the groundwork for understanding mercy. Patience is taught, laying the groundwork for understanding hope.

To avoid conflict, many parents make sacrifices of time, money and effort. They buy what their child wants. They go where their child wants. They do what their child wants. Everything revolves around the child getting his/her way. The child becomes head of the house.

God wants children to obey their parents. Children are to honor their father and mother. (Ephesians 6:1-2) If parents do not insist on obedience and honor through proper discipline, their children will not learn to honor and obey any other authority including God himself. Discipline will save a child’s soul.

Discipline in the home teaches children how to walk in righteousness. It should not be viewed as a mere biblical command, but rather an essential key to life!

Cease listening to discipline, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

—Proverbs 19:27

Mark Stinnett

February 12, 2023

Children, You Have a Promise!

Can you think of a time when a promise was made to you, but it was conditional? What I mean by conditional is that the promise the other person made was dependent on you doing something first.

People make promises all the time. Sometimes it is called a deal. For example, after verbally explaining what each will do for the other, two people shake hands saying, “We have a deal.” We might also call it an agreement, or say, “You have my word.” In formal business transactions, contracts are drawn up and signed.

There are many promises in the Bible and it is encouraging to know that God has never broken a promise. It is also encouraging to know that there is one promise that is specifically directed to children. Are you familiar with it?

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.

—Ephesians 6:1-3

Paul was actually quoting from the Ten Commandments. For that reason some people think that it does not apply to followers of Jesus today. However, the specific audience of Paul’s letter was/is Christians. God reissued to Christians an earlier promise made to Israelite children. The promise is simple: If you will honor your parents, you will have a good and long life.

Now, I cannot imagine that God meant for Israelite children to follow only that instruction. In other words, it makes no sense for an Israelite to turn to idols yet demand that God keep His promise because he had honored his parents. A person should not think that God can be manipulated.

My sisters and I are still the children of our parents even though our parents are deceased. We should not think that there is an expiration date on God’s instruction. So, the instruction to honor your parents doesn’t end when you grow up or even when your parents die.

Some parents are difficult to honor. However, that is no excuse to dishonor them.

God’s instruction is not limited to Mother’s Day and Father’s day, birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. Honoring parents is for every day.

Honor parents by obeying without complaining, without arguing and without becoming angry.

Never complain about your parents or talk about them negatively to your friends.

Honor parents by offering to help instead of waiting until they ask (force) you to help.

Show appreciation for the free food, free room, free transportation, free clothing and laundry service, etc. (Start by saying, “Thank you.”)

When you get your first job as a teen, in all likelihood it will cost your parents something, usually for transporting. Offer to share the cost.

Use your money, not your parent’s money, to buy gifts for your parents. Use your own money, not your parent’s money, for personal goodies (snacks, entertainment, etc.).

After moving away from home, continue to honor your parents by visiting them, communicating with them, sharing your life with them, and by speaking kindly about them to others.

Showing honor is not limited to my short list of suggestions. So remember, this is God’s command, and it comes with a promise for a good and long life. Honor your father and mother.

Mark Stinnett

May 29, 2022

A Deeper Sense of Honor

At this time of year we are encouraged to remember those who have played a part in securing our freedom as Americans. It is a fitting reminder for many of us who are more likely to focus on holiday fun.

We will probably enjoy fun, food, and friendship, but that is not what Independence Day is about. It is a day of celebration of our nation’s independence. It is good to reflect on our independence and the sacrifices made by our forefathers. It is good to remember battles fought and won that have insured continued freedom. It is honorable to salute our flag, the symbol of our nation and a symbol of the freedom we enjoy.

Our forefathers saw injustices in their land and determined to make a change for the better. For some it was political injustice; for others religious oppression. They decided to break free from enslavement of various kinds. To do this they also left their past behind.

It would seem that most did not come to America with a divided mind. In other words, they did not think they would simply return home if things did not go well. They came to the new land breaking ties with family, friends, and homeland. They boarded ships knowing that it was a one-way ticket. They sacrificed. They paid. We should honor. We should salute.

I believe there is somewhat of a parallel to our freedom in Christ, and yet, also a stark difference. The forefathers of our great nation yearned for freedom. They set out to break free and they accomplished their goal. Yet, in contrast to our American forefathers, there was no man to lead in a spiritual revolt against sin. There was no man to rally the courage of others to oppose Satan. No one set out to a new land, a land of freedom.

The scriptures remind us that we were dead in our sins. We were powerless to do anything about our pitiful condition, even powerless to realize our profound weakness. We did nothing.

Unlike our forefathers, it was God who was moved by our sad condition. It was God who decided to act.  It was God who sacrificed. It was God in the flesh who became the sacrifice. He paid.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

          —John 3:16 (NASB)

Yet for that tremendous sacrifice we do not stand straight, chest out and then with pride snap a crisp salute.

Rather, in humility we honor...with heads bowed...on bended knee...then falling face down before God’s throne...

We worship.

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshipped.

           —Revelation 5:12-14 (NASB)

It Just Doesn't Fit

     Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest,
     So honor is not fitting for a fool.
     --Proverbs 26:1

The word ‘fool’ in this verse means ‘stupid’ or ‘dull.’ The root idea is associated with ‘fatness.’ Used in a negative sense it refers to the folly of a person who is inactive due to their heaviness. So, there is a connection to laziness.

We live in a society in which many folks think that everyone deserves a reward. They want to make sure no one is left out, that no one’s ego is bruised.

While that is a very kind attitude, it is completely unrealistic. It is an attitude that actually works against self-discipline, destroys a good work ethic, and diminishes the true meaning of honor. It promotes ‘foolish’ behavior; it even promotes laziness.

I didn’t make this stuff up; God said it!
   Snow and summer - No fit.
   Rain and harvest - No fit.
   Honor and a lazy fool - No fit.

Be wise.

You Just Have to 'Stop'

No, I am not waxing philosophical; but have you ever thought about thinking? (Perhaps I could get you to consider it for just a moment.)

Have you ever been talking with someone and something they said forces a pause in the conversation, “I’ll have to think about that”?

People think about things in different ways. Some look up at the sky and tap or rub their chin and just think, think, think. Others look down at the ground and scratch their head and think, think, think. Some might prefer to talk it out; brainstorming ideas (with another person or even a wall). Others like a visual approach using pencil and paper, whiteboard and marker, or something similar. Whatever the case, two things are common to all: Pause...and ideas turning over and over in the mind.

James wrote, “Consider it all joy when you face various trials…” (James 1:2) I think he really meant for people to STOP...and then think about what he was writing.

When Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air… and observe the lilies of the field…” (Matthew 6:24, 26) I think he really meant for people to STOP...and take time to look and observe and THINK about the birds; to STOP...and take time to look and observe and THINK about the flowers.

Paul wrote:

   Finally, brethren, whatever is true,

      whatever is honorable,

      whatever is right,

      whatever is pure,

      whatever is lovely,

      whatever is of good repute,

   if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise,

   dwell on these things.

                                                 --Philippians 4:8

What do you think Paul expected his readers to do???

Do you know why God's word is difficult to understand for some people? Do you know why some folks never find peace or comfort or help from God's word even though they read and read and read?

They never...stop! They never...think.

I know it sounds silly, but I'll leave you extra room at the end of this blog to give you 'extra time' to...stop...and think about the things Paul wrote...
stop...

and think...

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Seriously...you need to STOP…
And...think…

Peter Pan, an Honorable Man???

My extended family came together for the funeral of my uncle and aunt who were killed in a car accident. The two were getting up in years and, down deep, we all knew that it was better this way; they went together.

The funeral director gathered the family in a side room and then led it to the auditorium of the church building in single file (to facilitate the seating of about 100 family members).

The doors of the auditorium were opened and I was overcome by the sight: The entire congregation of over 200 people standing as we entered.

We sit to relax, to get comfortable, to rest. They stood.

There are different reasons to stand, but on that day, the people stood to show honor to my uncle and aunt and all the family. What a kind and moving gesture of honor it was.

In a courtroom people gather; they seat themselves; people chat. Court officials and lawyers shuffle papers.

“All rise for the honorable Judge Hayes.”

Honor.

Military funerals can be especially moving: A 21-gun salute; "Taps" on a mournful bugle; the careful and precise folding of the American flag and its presentation to the family...all to show honor for a fellow serviceman.

The New Testament word ‘honor’ comes from a term that in Classical Greek was originally reserved for the Greek gods. 'Honor' described sacred things, heaven and its order. The Jews used it to describe the temple. It was later used to describe the visible or outward magnificence of things such as the majesty of a royal throne, the splendor of clothing, the loftiness of speech.

'Honor' was associated with nobility, dignity and seriousness. Charm and wit, though highly valued among the Greeks, were never described with the word honorable.

On one occasion, to escape King Saul, David went to the Philistines and pretended to be insane so they would not think him to be a threat. That was clever but not honorable. (Read about it in 1 Samuel 21.)

The Apostle Paul drew a contrast between childhood and adulthood:

When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.

                                                                                         --1 Corinthians 13:11 NASB

It is not honorable for adults to act like children. Go ahead and play with your kids and grandkids for a moment, but a 'Peter Pan never-grow-up’ mindset has nothing to do with honor.

Bathroom humor, crude jokes, childish silliness, ‘letting your hair down’ and the like can be really funny, but these are not honorable. Criticism and humiliation of those in authority is no way to show honor. Misplaced humor (i.e. comedy in the pulpit) may ‘bring them in’ in droves, but it is without honor. Rock concerts passed off as worship lack honor toward God.

• Are you always acting like a kid, angling for the next laugh, planning another sarcastic dig at someone in a position of authority?
• Is the worship assembly more for your pleasure or God's honor?
• What is it that captivates your mind?

Finally, brethren, whatever is...honorable…

dwell on these things.

                                              --Philippians 4:8 NASB

There is a time for fun and games, but there is a time to grow up and put away silliness. (Is there ever an appropriate time for vulgarity and criticism?) Think about honorable things.
Show honor.
Be honorable.