Encouragement

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Across the Potomac on a hill overlooking our nation’s Capitol, sets a white marble block marking The Tomb of The Unknowns. At the heart of Arlington National Cemetery, surrounded by acres of perfectly aligned crosses and other markers for our service members who have passed on, is this very special place. On this sanctified parcel of soil is the sarcophagus that bears the inscription—Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God. These words, inscribed in stone, honor those whose last full measure of sacrifice for their countrymen included even their identities.

This hallowed place is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by members of the Old Guard of the 3rd Infantry Regiment. In rain, shine, snow or hurricane, they execute their duty upon the “black mat”; 21 steps, hesitate 21 seconds, a 90 degree turn, hesitate 21 seconds, to the next maneuver. The 21 seconds between each regulated movement symbolizes the 21-gun salute, which is the highest military honor. The guarding of the Tomb of The Unknowns is not really for protection but rather an unending tribute in a love of honor.

These maneuvers are executed without fail regardless of weather, holidays or attendance of onlookers. The Old Guard walks the black mat as an honorable tribute to those who gave their countrymen their final act of love, reserving nothing. During this most recent storm, while our government closed its doors, the Old Guard, in the flurries of a whiteout carried out their honorable service upon the black mat.

In true Biblical giving there is to be a “love of honor” at its core. There is a form of the Greek word didomai, which is translated “give”. Didomai also carries the extended meaning of motivation, “issuing from a love of honor”. One place a form of this Greek word appears is in Acts 20:35:

Acts 20:35:
I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

The word translated “more” means much more. It is a great deal more blessed to give than to receive. Receiving is terrific but our Lord said giving (with the love of honor) is hyper blessed. That is big!

This is the instruction of our Lord so that you and I may rise up to the level of blessing he desires us to enjoy. It is the love of honor that should remain at the core of our giving. It keeps guard, shows respect, affection and dedication to that one we desire to honor.

Imagine that mindset in an anniversary gift, choosing a birthday card or sowing of our bounty with a ministry we support. I believe we can transfer to that gift, card sentiment or sowing the reverent honor as displayed by the guard that walks the black mat ... 21 steps, turn, hesitate 21 seconds, in rain, storm, cold, heat, hurricane and even when no one is there to observe. It will mean much more than the expense.

What about our giving in relationship to the work of our church? Our tithe, offering, first fruits giving, abundant sharing, donation, contribution, bountiful sowing or what some might call “charitable deductible contributions” (at least that is what your form 1040 Schedule A might call it).

Proverbs 3:9 and 10:
Honor the Lord with the thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase:
So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

When it comes to financial giving I do not teach tithing as "a practice". I teach in the sense of bountiful sowing, out of a love of honor. I have found the issue of tithing and where it stands in chronology and dispensations of the Bible rarely emphasizes a love of honor even though we just read about “honor” from Proverbs.

It seems people prefer to argue whether the tithe is under the law or not under the law. I actually prefer to teach love. Scriptures deem it higher (greater than faith and hope and certainly the law). Love encourages us to walk by a higher tenet. Love intensifies virtues like goodness and compassion.

Just from a human love perspective, it dictates a higher regard. For example, on your spouse’s birthday, do you try to suppress love by seeking the least you can do? I am not talking strictly from a financial point of view; you may have budget agreements, or be under a “fast” so to speak. I am talking from a heart involvement as a way to convey honor, respect and love. Cast your bread upon the waters and see what flows back to you.

When you have finished a sumptuous meal and enjoyed delightful service, do you take the check and peek at it like a poker hand and think hmmm…. how can I get under the tip? Does the calculator of your mind whir in long division?

2 Corinthians 8:1 and 2:
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit [have you to know] of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
How in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

I do not think their governments and economies were much different than today (lower pay, higher taxes). They were going through recessions and depressions.
There is great truth here. If you do not give when you have little, you will not give when you have much.

What a testimony of the resiliency of the Macedonian Church and their attitude toward in giving.

Verses 3 and 4:
For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves:
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift and take upon us the fellowship of ministering to the saints.

They deemed their spiritual wellbeing to be to be their top priority. They so desired to see the work of Paul’s ministry affect with goodness their brethren in other places. They were willing to give “the shirt off their back.” Where did this attitude of heart come from and this deep love of honor?

Mark 10:45:
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Even greater than our financial giving to the venerated cause of the advancement of the gospel, there are other important things that a love of honor beckons us to become involved.

John 15:13 and 14:
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Jesus’ act of love in his death; laying down his life is described in a form of didomai. He lay down his life to honor those who believe on him with salvation. We ought to “pick up our lives” to honor him.

Let us arrive at the place where we do what he has commanded us. Such as John 13:34 and 35:

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

It is not a lapel pin or a cross we wear, nor a specialized nameplate that indicates we are disciples of Jesus Christ. What clearly states we are “followers of Jesus” is our love for one another. Whether it is a position at the beginning of the line or at the end, all men will know that a disciple of Jesus passed by and that they too may get in step.

It is fairly easy to love one another in our church. However, our Lord has further commanded us:

Luke 6:27 and 28:
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

On the other side of the Potomac men and women make many of the decisions for our lives. But, on this side of the river we make our choices and choose our ethic.

Through the years we may hold affection for many people—but the measure of our lives will be what we have done by our love of honor to one man—Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the only begotten Son of God, our savior. ~


Larry Panarello serves as director and member of Beloved of God Ministries


It may be difficult to comprehend loving our enemies. To better understand the triumphant power of God’s love to walk in greater love
We invite you to visit our website at: http://www.myinternetchapel.org

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