Honor
At the Honor Flight send off today, I met two individuals from my Council District. I was pleased to have their support. Retired Air Force Major General John Dorris and Retired Colonel and White House Staffer Jim Ling.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Pay to all what is owed to them….respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” Romans 13:7 ESV
Respect and honor. Two words that seem to have lost their significance in our present culture. These two go hand in hand. I view respect as an attitude and honor as an action that is based on the respect held for an individual or class.
When we think of respect for individuals in our culture we think of teachers, doctors, law enforcement officers, first responders, the military, elected officials, parents, pastors.
This morning I attended the “send off” for some veterans participating in an “honor flight” trip to Washington, D.C. I was struck by what I observed. There was a large crowd of family members and citizens, law enforcement officers, first responders, active military personnel, cadets and members of ROTC groups just to name a few.
The ceremonies before hand demonstrated a high level of respect and recognition for those who have served our country. This group included Viet Nam veterans, Korean War veterans and perhaps even a World War II veteran. I could not help but observe the contrast in the youthful faces of those who are just entering their military service and the faces of those who have weathered the test of time and the trials of life.
Those boarding buses for the trip to the airport walked through a gauntlet of flags and raised sabers and people with signs expressing their love and gratitude. It was all designed to demonstrate the highest degree or respect and to show honor to whom honor is due.
Five buses carried these honored guests. The buses were lead in procession by police cars with lights flashing, a couple hundred (so it seemed) motorcyclists and two helicopters, hovering overhead like watchful angels in the sky. Sidewalks were lined with uniformed military personnel at attention saluting and family and friends waving and applauding. It would have been interesting to know the thoughts, feelings and reflections veterans aboard the buses.
Honor to whom honor is due. Honor is due those who have served well and by virtue of their role or achievement have made a significant impact on the lives of others, their community and nation. So in many ways honor is earned.
Honor is due by virtue of status or position. In this way honor is awarded. That is why the Bible says to, “Honor your parents.” That is why is says, “Honor the King.” That is why is says, “Honor God.”
I find myself reflecting on the responsibilities of a position of honor. Borrowing from a Bible verse, I would state it as, “He who is in a position of honor, must prove himself honorable.” As an elected official, the formal designation for my title included, “The Honorable Ken Summers.” One cynical individual who has never met me, saw that title on a name tag I was wearing in a picture on social media. He felt the need to respond that he, “never met a ‘politician’ he felt was worthy of honor.”
I doubt that he really knows very many personally and unfortunately, honorable service is not newsworthy. (At least in politics) But even in his cynicism and judgmental attitude, it reveals a heavy responsibility for those we should respect and honor to conduct themselves in a “manner worthy of their calling.”
Prayer for today…. Lord help us to be those who honor those who have dedicated themselves to noble causes and faithful service. May we all understand that regardless of position or title or role that we can dedicate our lives to those who are “honorable” and make an impact on others and our community.