Category Archives: Honorablre

Open Bible beside coins and folded dollar bills on wooden table
Bible, Scripture, Honor, Respect, Payment, Honorablre, Repayment, Romans, Tax

PAY WHAT IS DUE

ROMANS 13:7

“Pay to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.”

As followers of Christ, we should be law-abiding citizens. When it comes to paying taxes and obeying the authorities, we should be the first to do so. Rebellion for rebellion’s sake is not an act approved by the Scriptures. I have always attempted to follow the law and do what it requires. I may not like a certain law, but I will do my best to obey it. It was no different in Paul’s day.

As Paul concludes these verses on submitting to those in authority, he simply says to “pay to all what is due them.” The Greek word translated “pay” is apodídōmi. I love what the Topical Lexicon says about this word. “In every usage Scripture presents a God-governed moral order in which what is owed—whether money, honor, duty, or judgment—must ultimately be returned.” Paul has been telling us since verse 1 of this chapter that all authority is placed by God. That is why we “pay” them back.

APPLICATION

Paul goes on to clarify what he is telling us here. He lists four things in particular, “tax,” “custom,” respect,” and “honor.” The word “tax” refers to a property tax. The word is only used five times. It’s used twice in Luke (20:22; 23:2) where the Jews are talking about paying tax to Caesar. I don’t know about you, but I don’t really like paying property tax. But as long as the government requires it, I don’t have much of a choice.

In contrast, the word “custom” is a tax as well but refers to a mercantile tax or revenue. The Greek word is telos which is often used as “finish” or “end.” So, this “custom” or tax was paid at the end of a transaction.

“Respect” is the same word we saw back in 13:3. Here in verse 7 it is better to use the word “respect” to translate it rather than “fear” which we saw earlier. It is true that respect is earned. I get that. But we are commanded here to pay respect to our authorities because of the position they hold, not because of their personality. Don’t forget that.

And the last payment we are to make is “honor.” The Greek word is defined as the respect due to persons of distinction. Some people have trouble showing honor to people they disagree with about something. Think of this way – you are being honorable by showing honor. Isn’t that what Jesus would do? (not to be cliché) Make your payments count!

Lord, I will strive to pay what You require of me towards others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Common, Creation, Creator, Honorablre, Pottery, Romans, Scripture, Service

HOW ARE YOU BEING USED?

ROMANS 9:21

“Or does the potter not have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one object for honorable use, and another for common use?”

When I was a little boy, I spent a good bit of time at my Grandma Carter’s house out in the country. Now, her house did have running water and a toilet, but it was a simple, farmhouse built for utility not luxury. I noticed this white pot with a lid in one of the bedrooms once and asked my grandma why she had a cooking pot by the bed. She laughed and said that wasn’t for cooking. Puzzled I asked what it was used for. She told me her mama used to use that for a toilet so she wouldn’t have to walk to the outhouse at night. It was a very desired item in homes back then.

Some scholars think Paul is referring to a chamber pot like my grandma’s when he says, “another for common use.” The value of the pot was determined by its use. Some were used for worship, like the ones described for use in the tabernacle or temple. But all pieces of pottery or every pot has its use. Sometimes those most common use items are the most valuable because they are used the most, like that favorite pot you may have in your house. Paul’s point is both are made by the potter, and their use is at His discretion.

APPLICATION

In Jeremiah 18:3-6 we have a great image of this. “3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. 4 But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 6 ‘Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?’ declares the LORD. ‘Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.’” We are only clay in the Potter’s hand.

Paul uses this imagery again in 2 Timothy 2:20. “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor.” God will shape us and use us according to His pleasure. That’s not a put down. It’s according to His perfect will. The question is whether we will submit to His use of us.

I have to admit that I have at times resisted His choice for me. I had other plans. I saw myself in another role or position in ministry by a certain point in my life. I had my career path mapped out. But then God stepped in. What I have found in my over 46 years of ministry is when I yield to the Master Artist’s touch in my life, I am much more fulfilled, no matter what He has chosen for me to do. Will you do that today? Will you yield to His touch on your life?

Thank You, Lord, for choosing me for the role You intended. That role has changed through the years, but You have been the consistent one.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Commendabler, Excellence, Honorablre, Lovely, Pure, Right, Scripture, True

LAUNDRY LIST

PHILIPPIANS 4:8

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Have you ever heard the term “laundry list”? According to the Meriam-Webster dictionary, this term used to actually refer to a list of items taken to the laundry. I have filled those lists out before when I was traveling overseas. In the hotels there would be a form to complete, listing all your shirts, pants, socks, etc. that you wanted laundered. Now that term usually just means a long list of things.

Take for instance, Paul has listed a “laundry list” of things that we should think about. Take a look at that list. Those are thought worthy items, aren’t they? True, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy! The actual Greek word for “think about” is logizomai which, according to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is “Middle voice from logos to take an inventory, i.e. Estimate (literally or figuratively) — conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on).” I love that – to take an inventory.

APPLICATION

Before I ask you what you are taking into inventory, let’s look at what the Lord does not. In Romans 4:8, the same word is used by Paul as he quotes Psalm 32:2. “‘BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.’” The Lord does not keep a laundry list of our sins. Boy, aren’t you glad? I sure am. He would need a long, long scroll to record all of mine. Once we are washed by the blood of the Lamb, all those sins are covered. There is no more guilt. The list is shredded, burned and disappears. Hallelujah!

Now, back to your good laundry list. MacLaren calls these things listed by Paul “that company of fair guests that you may welcome into the hospitalities of your heart and mind.” Unfortunately, the world doesn’t offer too much of these. In fact, the world offers just the opposite – false, dishonorable, wrong, impure, ugly, detestable, poor quality, shameful things. We cannot depend on the world to direct our thoughts and hearts.

The only place you are going to find the things that are described by Paul is in His Word. Only God’s Word will keep my minds and hearts directed in the right way. Only God’s Word will keep you true and pure and honorable. Stop relying on your own intellect or wisdom. Let the Word show you the right laundry list for your soul.

O Lord, I don’t want to be hanging out the wrong laundry list today. Give me these things for my soul.

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