THE CALL TO HONOR GOD IN A DISHONORABLE AGE By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“Them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”
— 1 Samuel 2:30 (KJV)
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Introduction
We are living in an age marked by unprecedented technological progress, intellectual ambition, and social advancement. Yet, amid these accomplishments, a spiritual decay pervades the hearts of many. Disrespect for God has become normalized, while pride and rebellion are exalted. People have created idols out of themselves, their inventions, and their ideologies, forsaking the reverence due to the Living God. The voice of God calls His people to resist the current of dishonor and stand as vessels of truth and humility.
This lesson explores the urgent divine instruction to honor God amid a generation of dishonor. It addresses the reality of pride, rebellion, and deception in our times and contrasts it with the path of righteousness and submission to God’s Spirit. Through a detailed analysis of prophetic warnings and scriptural truths, we are invited to reflect, repent, and realign ourselves with God’s original intent: to glorify Him and walk in humility.
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The Age of Rebellion and Dishonor
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves… proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.”
— 2 Timothy 3:1–2
We are warned prophetically that the last days will be marked by rebellion. Honor for God is being replaced by an obsession with self. The culture idolizes independence, where man believes he is a law unto himself. With every passing day, technological and intellectual advancements foster a spirit of pride, convincing many they no longer need God.
The warning is clear: while humanity parades its innovations, it spirals into moral regression. This regression is not just social or cultural—it is spiritual. A generation that dishonors God is one destined for judgment unless it repents.
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The Delusion of Self-Sufficiency
“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.”
— Romans 1:22
Man's delusion today is rooted in his belief that he is self-sufficient. Because of material gain, technological tools, and global communication, many believe they are superior to previous generations. Yet, this very mindset is the root of the spiritual rot. Humanity has exchanged the truth of God for lies, preferring to worship the work of its hands rather than the One who gave them life.
God is not impressed by our inventions. No man-made object, system, or ideology can possess a soul. Worshiping anything other than God is, therefore, not only foolish—it is idolatrous. The god of self has become the ruling deity of our time, and its fruits are pride, deception, and destruction.
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The Poison of Pride and Its Effects
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
— Proverbs 16:18
Pride is likened to drunkenness. It warps perception and leads to destructive behavior. Under its influence, people rebel against God’s design. In their arrogance, they seek to redefine identity, truth, and morality—all without consulting the Creator.
God’s message is direct: pride is an abomination. It births rebellion, deception, and violence. The prideful not only refuse God’s authority but also attack those who speak the truth. This includes hatred for prophets, ministers, and anyone bearing God's message. Pride is the spiritual poison that is leading this generation into darkness.
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God’s Disdain for the Reprobate Mind
“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind…”
— Romans 1:28
A reprobate mind is one that has been abandoned to moral confusion. It cannot discern between right and wrong. Those ruled by it celebrate sin and scorn righteousness. The reprobate do not seek godly counsel. They push forward their own agendas, heedless of the consequences.
God’s wrath is kindled against such minds, and the signs are all around us: chaos, violence, moral perversion, and the death of truth. But the people of God are called to be different—to remain sober-minded and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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The Call to Honor God in All Things
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:31
Amid the dishonor and rebellion, God is raising up a remnant—those who still fear Him, honor Him, and walk in His ways. To honor God means to submit to His authority, reverence His name, obey His commands, and live in humility before Him. It means being set apart, refusing to follow the masses into rebellion.
God's people must avoid the contamination of this age. We must be alert, discerning, and obedient. We are not created for vanity or personal glory but for the purposes of the Creator. Each act of honor we give to God pushes back the tide of darkness.
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The Blessing of Serving with Gratitude
“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”
— Psalm 100:2
Gratitude is the foundation of godly service. When we serve God with a thankful heart, our spiritual eyes are opened to His greater glories. Honor attracts revelation. God reveals Himself more deeply to those who walk humbly and gratefully before Him.
Unlike the proud who stumble in darkness, the grateful walk in light. While the world chases illusions, the humble see truth. We are encouraged to rejoice that we are not deceived by pride but anchored in the sober mind of truth.
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Summary
In this critical season, God is calling His people to rise above the corruption of the age. Pride, self-worship, and rebellion are rampant, but we are called to honor God in all things. The dangers of pride are spiritual blindness, rebellion, and judgment. But the reward of humility is intimacy with God, spiritual clarity, and eternal life. As followers of Christ, we must remain alert, obey His Spirit, and reflect His light in a dark world.
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Conclusion
God is not impressed by our advancements but by our obedience. He seeks those who will honor Him despite the trends of the age. Let us be those people. Let us resist the pull of pride and remain devoted to the truth. The road of humility may not be popular, but it leads to eternal reward. As the world grows darker, the light of those who honor God will shine brighter.
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Call to Action
Today, reflect on your life. Have you unknowingly bowed to the god of self? Are there areas where pride has taken root? Ask God to cleanse your heart. Reject the deception of this age and choose to walk the path of honor, humility, and truth. Be bold in your witness, and do not be ashamed to stand for righteousness in a world that mocks it.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Beloved, God sees you. In a time when so many despise Him, your choice to honor Him delights His heart. He will strengthen you. He will reveal Himself to you. You are not alone. Stay sober-minded, stay humble, and continue to walk in the Spirit. Let His Word guide you, and let your life be an offering of worship unto Him.
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Salvation Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus,
I come before You today, acknowledging that I have sinned and lived for myself. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for me and rose again to give me life. I open my heart and receive You as my Lord and Savior. Wash me clean, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me to live a life that honors You. I surrender all to You. Thank You for saving me.
Amen.
