‘WHEN HONOUR IS MISSING’

A Deep Thoughts Devotional Story
© Opeyemi Akintunde
Inspired by the Living Word

It was a regular Sunday service. Pastor Tim had just shared a heartfelt message about obedience and growth. As people filed out, two young professionals lingered at the back, chatting.

One of them scoffed, “I don’t even get how someone like him is pastoring this place. With all his grammar blunders?”
The other laughed, “Abi o! And I heard he’s being paid full salary? For what, exactly?”

Unaware that Pastor Tim’s teenage son was sitting on the next pew, overhearing everything.

That evening, the boy asked, “Daddy, why do people hate you so much?”
Pastor Tim smiled weakly and said, “Son, they don’t hate me. They just don’t understand the weight of what I carry.”
Then he added, “Never dishonour someone doing God’s work, no matter how small you think their role is. You don’t know the battles they fight behind the scenes.”

That night, the boy cried and prayed for his father for the first time.

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In a world where clout and credentials define respect, it’s easy to overlook the spiritual weight of those who serve on the altar. But scripture warns us clearly:

“Do not speak evil against one another… Who are you to judge your neighbour? — James 4:11–12

Many in today’s church forget that spiritual leadership is heavy work. It’s not about charisma or eloquence. It’s a call, a burden.

It doesn’t matter if your pastor is younger than you, less educated, or not as eloquent. The authority is not in the man, it’s in the assignment.

Dishonour is dangerous.

In Numbers 12, when Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, thinking they were equals, God stepped in. Not Moses, God Himself.

Whether it’s the usher at the door, the Sunday school teacher, the young music minister, or the seasoned pastor, God honours them all. So should we.

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SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY:

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”— 1 Timothy 5:17 (NIV)

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PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, forgive me for any way I’ve dishonoured your servants knowingly or unknowingly.

2. Help me to see beyond titles and appearances, to value every labourer in Your vineyard.

3. Restore honour and love in the Body of Christ, beginning with me.

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Final Thought:

When honour leaves the church, God’s presence begins to fade quietly. Let us not be the reason God is silent.

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