by Rabbi Ira

We have all listened to Rabbis or Pastors preach a message, and then say to ourselves, “I GET IT.” However, upon further mediation we come to the conclusion that we get the “IT,” but not the, “HOW.” In other words, we identify with the concept, we know that the message is speaking to us; we know that we need to change, but we have no clue how to get there.

There is no greater description in the scriptures related to the “Great Commission” (Matt 28:19,20) than what we read in Ephesians 4

11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Messiah;

It is quite evident that the above description and prescription for the building up of the body of Messiah is not what we see in operation in the synagogues and churches of this land. The proper structure and government which God prescribed has been so perverted that leaders in the body of Messiah instead resemble the people Yeshua described in Matthew 20:25

25 But Yeshua called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.

Are we the so called “gifted and called” more concerned with exercising authority and lording over the congregation than we are in seeing them built up and equipped?” It certainly appears that this is true in many places today.
Yet, Yeshua went on in Matthew 20

26 "It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant,
27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave;
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Yeshua (Jesus) spoke these words in response to a debate that had arisen after the mother of the sons of Zebedee requested that in His kingdom her sons would sit on His right and left. When asked if they thought they could drink of the same cup that He would drink, they replied, “yes.” This made the other 10 following the LORD, indignant, and this is when He spoke the above words to them.

Instead of wishing to serve today, the modern leader seeks to exercise authority and to lord over the people. They establish rules, regulations, and controls, which stifles the ability of the people of God entrusted to them to grow spiritually.

They have established through their rules and regulations what I refer to as a “culture of control,” but is this the culture that God desires?” The answer of course, is a resounding “NO.”

So, what then is the culture that God desires?  A “Culture of Honor.”

This is not my idea, but is the title of a book I read recently, which has transformed my thinking and my ministry. The book titled, “Culture of Honor: Sustaining a Supernatural Environment” was written by Danny Silk, a staff member of Bethel Church in Redding, California.

I could give you my own words, but here is a recent review by a reader of this book that puts into words my thoughts.

“Brave communication is encouraged over fear... empowerment imparted instead of control... consequence illuminated rather than punishment... royalty over shame... restoration over failure... relationship over rules... you get the picture!! I believe we are closer than ever before to encapsulating and releasing the essence of His spectacular heart!”

This is what God is looking for from us as leaders, and not just leaders, but the whole body of Messiah. The “Culture of Honor” establishes a safe place in which believers are able to communicate without fear, have impartation and empowerment of their gifts instead of control, be treated as the Sons and Daughters of the King that they are rather than be put to shame for their errors, restored instead of being made to feel like they are worthless, and build covenant relationships outside of rules and regulations. This is the heart of God for His body.

In the body today most make honor something that is to be earned. We have all heard the old sayings, “You have to give respect, to get respect.” We have bought the lie that we only give honor and respect too those who have earned it. We say, “How can I honor you, you don’t deserve it. How can I respect you, you didn’t earn it.” We make our giving of honor and respect conditional upon the actions of the other party. Why? We have been wronged. That person needs to pay the consequences. I need to be vindicated.

Yeshua came in the body of flesh and made Himself of no reputation. He did not come looking for honor or respect, and most cases did not receive it from the leaders. However, unlike those leaders who tried to control the people and who walked in fear, He never showed fear. He continually walked in honor regardless of how he was treated, and expects nothing less from us.

Honor is to be more than just how I treat you. Honor is what I am. Honor does not show up when we are in total agreement. Honor shows up when one, or both of us have failed. I cannot let your character defects control my response to you, anymore than you can mine. I cannot let how you conduct yourself conduct me. Your presence cannot remove my freedom to be myself.

We are taught that love, honor, trust, and respect are to be earned, but we can’t let how much we love, trust, honor, or respect another individual be determined by their ability to earn anything from us.

We have been given a free gift from God, the gift of salvation through the shed blood of our Messiah Yeshua.

WE DIDN’T DESERVE IT. WE DIDN’T EARN IT.

It is time for us to cast off the rules and regulations that beg for punishment. Let us no longer look at the transgressions of our brothers and sisters, and ask, “What is to be done with them?” It is time to cultivate a “Culture of Honor” in the body of Messiah

It is time for us to Impart, Empower, Encourage, Illuminate, Prefer, Restore, and Honor one another. In this way we will see the restoration of God’s government in the body of Messiah and on the earth, which will usher in the healing of our land and the soon return of Messiah.