If you’ve ever been to a wine tasting event you may have noticed a Connoisseur swirling the glass around allowing the wine to oxygenate, then waving their hand above the wine glass smelling the wine, proceeding to sip it, then giving their professional opinion on it. They critique the flavor, aroma, texture and appearance of the wine and, in my opinion, have one of the most fascinating careers.
How many times do we, as Christians, become a Church Connoisseur? We tend to get “good” at Christianity. As leaders and followers of Jesus, it is vital that we guard our hearts against this position of critic in the church world, otherwise our hearts can harden with arrogance and we run the risk of becoming a by-stander rather than someone ready to receive, serve, and honor those around us with a selfless heart.
In 2014, after graduating Bible College at Highlands College in Birmingham, AL, I moved back to NYC to complete a 2-year Internship with the New York Dream Center. One thing that I realized from living in that incredible city is that you can learn a lot from people. Everyone has something to offer. Are we ready to receive it? Pastor Brad Reed says it perfectly:
“Honor is so important, because you can receive something from everyone. It’s not about the person, it’s about the heart ready to receive.” How's your heart?
Here are a few practical ways to honor the people around you.
1. See People the way God Sees People
People were created in the image of God. Even if they may not look or act the way that we want them to there is “gold” in them, there is a purpose in them. Draw out that potential and help them see their God-given calling. Ask God to soften your heart towards the people around you.
2. See the Benefit of Honoring People
“The more you value it, the more you receive value from it.”-Pastor Chris Hodges
When you honor someone, you encourage them to stay true to their calling to serve God and their development as a leader.
3. See the Vision of Honoring People
Honor is simply respecting and understanding the weight that others carry through our actions, words, and attitudes. God uses ordinary people to bring an extraordinary message.
Let’s consistently be with Jesus more and strive to know Him better. Let us allow God to shape the way we honor the people around us.
How many times do we, as Christians, become a Church Connoisseur? We tend to get “good” at Christianity. As leaders and followers of Jesus, it is vital that we guard our hearts against this position of critic in the church world, otherwise our hearts can harden with arrogance and we run the risk of becoming a by-stander rather than someone ready to receive, serve, and honor those around us with a selfless heart.
In 2014, after graduating Bible College at Highlands College in Birmingham, AL, I moved back to NYC to complete a 2-year Internship with the New York Dream Center. One thing that I realized from living in that incredible city is that you can learn a lot from people. Everyone has something to offer. Are we ready to receive it? Pastor Brad Reed says it perfectly:
“Honor is so important, because you can receive something from everyone. It’s not about the person, it’s about the heart ready to receive.” How's your heart?
Here are a few practical ways to honor the people around you.
1. See People the way God Sees People
People were created in the image of God. Even if they may not look or act the way that we want them to there is “gold” in them, there is a purpose in them. Draw out that potential and help them see their God-given calling. Ask God to soften your heart towards the people around you.
2. See the Benefit of Honoring People
“The more you value it, the more you receive value from it.”-Pastor Chris Hodges
When you honor someone, you encourage them to stay true to their calling to serve God and their development as a leader.
3. See the Vision of Honoring People
Honor is simply respecting and understanding the weight that others carry through our actions, words, and attitudes. God uses ordinary people to bring an extraordinary message.
Let’s consistently be with Jesus more and strive to know Him better. Let us allow God to shape the way we honor the people around us.
Chris Osmore moved to Dover, New Hampshire from Tuscaloosa, Alabama in February of 2017 and currently serves as the Broadcast Director at Next Level Church. He attended Bible college at The Highlands College in Birmingham, AL. After graduating he moved to New York City where he interned as a video producer at The New York Dream Center. In his free time, Chris enjoys attending events, watching sit-coms and sports, traveling, and reading God’s word.
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