Thomas Cahill's book on why the Greeks Matter, Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea, points out that for the Greeks and the Greek gods preserving one's honor was paramount. Such honor, however, is not necessarily the kind of honor we think of. Rather, it is a desire to show yourself better than others. The most horrible thing is to be dissed. Someone or some god who is dissed responds in anger, in getting even, in doing whatever it takes to restore their "honor" or their high place.
I thought about what a startling contrast this is with the God of the Bible. He deserves to be honored as well. But his honor is based in covenant dealings with his people, with a willingness to empty himself and become a servant, with a greatness that no one can assail and so honor flows naturally to him. There is no need to demand honor, pursue honor etc., for it is naturally his.
Belonging to such a God also changes and shapes the way his followers think of honor. In particular the words of Paul come to mind, "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12.10
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