True Virtue – Honor in a Cancel Culture

What is Cancel Culture?

• The popular practice of withdrawing support for (canceling) public figures and companies after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive.
• Originated with Critical Theory: power dynamics; tears down arguments to emphasize divisions.
• Grace is the answer to cancel culture, meaning God gives us His love despite what we deserve.
• God cancelled our sin and made a public spectacle of it by nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2:14)

Romans 12:10 (NIV) | Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Four Things we are called to Honor according to Scripture:

1. GOD – Joshua 7:19a: My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and honor him. (Honor God with your life: resources, body, and worship)
2. Parents – Exodus 20:12: Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. (Note: this Commandment comes with a promise and applies to us even if we do not think our parents are honorable.)
3. Authorities – Romans 13:1: Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. (We are to honor our authorities even if they are dishonorable not because of who they are, but because of who — and WHOSE — we are)
4. Spiritual Leaders – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13: Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

The key aspect in those we are called to honor has more to do with our commitment to living for Jesus, not what we think they deserve. This speaks to our own sense of integrity.

Matthew 15:18 (NIV) | The people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

Don’t…

• Just give God lip service
• Treat God as common or ordinary

REMEMBER: The devil knows your name but calls you by your sin. God knows your sin but calls you by your name. Don’t listen to those who want to divide, but the One who wants to bring us together for the sake of Christ.

Reflection Questions

1. Why do the Scriptures put such a value on honor?
2. How does the Bible delineate the things for which we should show honor?
3. What are the four things the Bible tells us we should honor?
4. Why did Jesus face dishonor when He went back to Nazareth?
5. What is the jeopardy we face for not honoring the things in our heart that God calls us to hold in esteem?