“No person was ever honored for what he received. It has been the reward for what he gave.” Calvin Coolidge
It’s not every day you’re invited to a friend’s 100th birthday party. Germaine became a century old last week. At her party there was a time to bless her with our words and our stories. For some reason I held back. Maybe it was because underneath, the real me is shy and I don’t like drawing attention to myself. I was convicted during communion the following morning, when the Lord whispered, “Never miss an opportunity to honor someone.”
Honor is “a testimony of esteem; any expression of respect or of high estimation by words or actions.” God showed me if I had spoken words of appreciation at Germaine’s party, I would have not only honored her, but brought attention to Him.
Germaine has spent countless hours over the past twenty-five years waging war in the heavenlies for me and my family. She has been my mentor and godly role model to follow. I’ve told her many times, “When I grow up, I want to be just like you.” There are numerous things I’ve learned from spending time with Germaine:
Intimacy with the Lord is not only the top priority, but the only priority. To be close to God is what we live for. God alone makes our hearts skip beats. To persevere and keep standing firm against the enemy in prayer. Never give up! To know who you are in Christ so you can be that person. To walk in your God-given authority. Be bold and full of faith. Never stop mentoring. You keep on ministering to others as long as you have breath. Keep learning through reading the Word and Christian books. Be fully submitted to the Lordship of Christ. Display your love for God through your obedience to God. Stay childlike and trust your heavenly Daddy. God is always enough and He will take care of all your needs. I am grateful to God for giving me a faithful friend who has come alongside of me. I know she longs to be with the Lover of her soul and she will be missed when the Lord takes her home to be with Him.
I pay tribute to Germaine, for her life well lived. She can say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.” (II Timothy 4:7-8a) May I never forget the lesson I learned from her party: to honor others every chance I get.
“Giving honor actually releases the life of God into a situation.” Bill Johnson
Relevant Reflection: 1. What can you do or say to honor someone this week?
Comments