What is required to achieve genuine honor? Real honor is lacking in our society today, as everything related to character is like much of our societal values: cheap and superficial. What is required of us if we want to pursue real honor in our lives? It seems counter intuitive, but the answer is to pursue humility, meekness, in our lives. In Proverbs 15:33 it says that humility comes before honor. The Hebrew word for honor is “kavod” meaning “weightiness”.
As believers we must understand that real honor in life from G-d comes as a result of genuine humility before G-d!
The two major themes of Rosh Hashanah are Personal Repentance and G-d’s Kingship. We must keep in mind that we get to the first one by thoroughly understanding and appreciating the second, and humility is fundamental to both. Understanding deeply who G-d is and what he is capable of should compel us toward personal repentance.
How are you actively recognizing G-d's sovereignty over your life? Remember: Fearing the L-RD leads to a proper understanding of G-d’s sovereignty. Not recognizing G-d’s sovereignty leads to personal arrogance, which leads to personal destruction. What do you need to repent of? Humility leads to personal repentance which results in personal honor.
How can you work toward Humility?
· Accountability - Honestly submitting your personal actions for review to others
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Deference – Learning to understand submission and respect before others
· Teachability – Desiring for yourself deep personal change and development
One final thought: sometimes we miss out on the honor G-d wants to bestow upon us because we fear man more than we fear G-d. Something to stay aware of!
Forward for Messiah!
Kirk Gliebe
Rabbi & Director
