I recently heard someone preach, “Honour unlocks God’s favour in your life.”
And honestly? I sighed.
Because here’s the thing: when we start honouring people to get something, it’s no longer honour—it’s a transaction. It’s manipulation with a smile. It’s dressed-up self-interest.
That’s not biblical honour.
That’s hustle culture wearing a churchy hoodie.
What Real Honour Looks Like — Enter Epaphroditus
Paul gives us a real example of what honour is supposed to be in Philippians 2:29-30:
“Honour him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.”
Now that is someone worthy of honour—not because he was trying to gain anything, but because he gave everything.
Epaphroditus wasn’t in it for applause, promotion, or prophetic words about open doors.
He nearly died just to serve the church. He risked it all for the work of Christ.
Honour Isn’t a Formula for Blessing
This trend of “honour to unlock favour” is subtle, but it’s dangerous. Why?
Because it turns godly values into performance metrics.
It takes something beautiful—like respect and appreciation—and warps it into a currency to gain spiritual clout or benefits.
Let’s be real:
If you only honour someone because you think God will reward you for it… are you really honouring them? Or are you just trading?
That’s not how the kingdom works.
So Why Did Paul Tell Them to Honour Epaphroditus?
Paul didn’t say, “Honour him so that God will bless you.”
He said, “Honour him because he laid down his life for the gospel.”
In other words, honour was a response to selfless sacrifice—not a strategy for reward.
He wasn’t teaching them to use honour to get more from God.
He was teaching them to recognize and esteem those who truly reflect the heart of Christ.
Honour Is Recognition, Not Manipulation
True honour is recognizing Christ in someone—their sacrifice, their faithfulness, their love for others. It’s not what we do to get something—it’s what we give because someone’s life reflects something worth celebrating.
You don’t honour your pastor to get promoted,
You don’t honour your spouse to get favour,
You honour because it’s right. Period.
Final Thought
Let’s stop turning everything into a spiritual transaction.
Honour isn’t a vending machine.
It’s not a seed you sow for favour—it’s a fruit of love, humility, and recognition.
Epaphroditus didn’t serve Paul to be honoured.
He didn’t nearly die so he could gain favour points.
He just gave his life for the gospel—and that’s the kind of life worth honouring.
So honour freely.
Honour humbly.
And above all—honour because you see Jesus in someone.
Not because you want Jesus to see you.
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