But I know you, that ye have not the love of God
in you. I am come in my Father’s name, and ye
receive me not: if another shall come in his own
name, him ye will receive (John 5:42-43).

In these passages, Jesus is pointing out to these
men that He will not play their honor game.
What’s the honor game? Giving each other “honor”
or medals or titles in order to boost one’s own sense of
self-worth. I’ll give you rank so you can give me privilege,
etc. That is pride and greed, not honor.

Jesus is not saying that men should not honor
other men, because the Word of God says we should
give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7). It is
a wonderful thing to honor the hard work and diligence
of other men. It is, however, a dishonor to God
to seek the honor of others rather than that which
comes only from the Lord.

You and I cannot demand that we be given honor.
For instance, we must not demand that others call us
“doctor” or “teacher” or “master.” This is the very thing
Jesus is talking about to the proud Pharisees of His
day—and to us in our day.

Jesus won’t play honor games.

Seek God’s Honor

How can ye believe, which receive honour
one of another, and seek not the honour that
cometh from God only? (John 5:44).

Notice the word “only” at the end of this sentence.
As we have discovered, there is honor that comes from
God only. You cannot give it to me, and I cannot give it
to you. I can only tell you about it.

For instance, I cannot give you the kind of honor
that conveys authority over the devil. I can tell you
about your authority over Satan, but it is God who has
given that authority to you. How did He give it to you?
By giving you His Name.

I cannot give you God’s Name. I could give you
my name and enter into some kind of covenant agreement
with you. I could adopt you, thereby bestowing
my family name upon you; but that act would not
give you authority over the devil. It might give you
authority over my earthly possessions, but not over
the enemy of your soul.

Only God can give you that power and dominion.
Why? Because only His Name has authority over the
evil one. That is an honor that only God can give. Jesus
spoke about this honor in a passage of Scripture from
Mark’s Gospel.

Kenneth Copeland Ministries