Daniel 5:18, "Your Majesty, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory and splendor..."

Think

Have you ever been a part of a situation where the leader was lacking? Maybe it was a bad store manager, an inexperienced school teacher, a difficult boss or a poor program coordinator. When you size up a situation and realize the leader is lacking, how do you respond? Daniel came face-to-face with King Belshazzar who was morally, ethically and spiritually lacking – yet Daniel showed him honor. Daniel honored the position of authority even though the person in authority did not deserve honor. This wasn't the first time Daniel had to make that decision to extend honor. Years earlier, Daniel served under another king who didn't deserve honor. Daniel honored the position in spite of the person. God did great things through Daniel in that situation, leading to lasting respect – respect that years later earned him an invitation to stand before King Belshazzar.

Act

Make it a point to honor others in authority today – both to their face and behind their back. Choose your words about them and to them wisely – honoring their position. Work for the person in authority with diligence regardless of what they deserve. By honoring others, God can give you the respect of others.

Pray

My Father in Heaven, please help me be a person who honors others in authority. Please strengthen me to honor them with my words and actions. In Jesus' name, Amen.