There are times when the meaning of a person’s name matters or even how one received their name. I was reminded the name of Timothy really suits him. His name comes from two words, timan, to honour, and theos, God. This literally means he who honours God.
Whoever is a slave must make the best of it, giving respect to his master so that outsiders don’t blame God and our teaching for his behavior. – 1 Timothy 6:1 MSG
The name of God is just as important to me and my actions imply the kind of God that He is. Is He a God of social disorder or is He a God not to be dishonoured? My walk with Jesus would indicate that I reflect His character in my patience and meekness and not in rebellion or violence. I am to walk with respect. I cannot be the one who someone would look on and say that followers of Jesus are those who produce discontent and who lead to insurrection.
I honour those who employ me because God has placed them in authority over me regardless how unworthy they may be. I learned this lesson in my very first pastoral role. My pastor did some very unworthy things and I talked about it – far too much. I love that I had someone who loved me enough to teach me what it means to be a follower of Jesus and to honour the one given authority by God and that my role was to honour and let God do His thing in his heart. Just in case word-smithing takes place here as to what honour means, I learned that honour means respect, observance, compliance and obedience.
I’m charging you before the life-giving God and before Christ, who took his stand before Pontius Pilate and didn’t give an inch: Keep this command to the letter, and don’t slack off. Our Master, Jesus Christ, is on his way. He’ll show up right on time, his arrival guaranteed by the Blessed and Undisputed Ruler, High King, High God. He’s the only one death can’t touch, his light so bright no one can get close. He’s never been seen by human eyes—human eyes can’t take him in! Honor to him, and eternal rule! Oh, yes. – 1 Timothy 6 :13-16 MSG
I can do the things God has asked me to do and be, I can endure, because of who I am in light of eternity. I serve a living God, the one who created heaven and earth and all of creation. When I think of God as God the Creator, it is easier to see Him as the one to be honoured and to be accountable to. My response is no longer, “what can You do for me?” but rather how can I declare Your honour and everlasting power?
Father, this feels so unnatural in a world where everyone is fighting for their own rights. I want to be in a place where I am completely Yours, either as an employee, a citizen or even a prisoner. Thank You!
Erwin (evanlaar1922)
Sixty-six books in a year 