Man of Honor

Phil Spears
Sep 20, 2025
3 min read

Living a Life that Reflects Christ in a Dishonorable World

In today’s culture, the word honor feels almost antiquated—like something you’d find in an old storybook or a medieval code of chivalry. Yet for the Christian man, honor is not only relevant; it is essential. To be a man of honor means to reflect the character of Christ in word, deed, and heart. It means to stand firm in truth, integrity, and humility when the world encourages compromise, self-promotion, and moral ambiguity.

What Is a Man of Honor?

A man of honor is first and foremost a man of God. His value system is not shaped by popular opinion but by the eternal Word of God. He is committed to living out Micah 6:8:

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Honor is not about perfection. It’s about consistency, repentance, and a heart fully surrendered to God. It's not found in loud proclamations or grand gestures, but in the quiet strength of a man who keeps his word, leads his family with gentleness, serves others selflessly, and walks in obedience even when no one is watching.

Characteristics of a Man of Honor

1. Integrity in the Small Things

Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…”A man of honor doesn't just act righteously when it's convenient or visible—he chooses truth when it's costly. Whether it’s being honest on taxes, refusing to compromise in business, or avoiding inappropriate conversations, integrity begins in the details.

2. Faithfulness in Relationships

Honor is seen in how a man treats his wife, children, coworkers, and even strangers. He values others as image-bearers of God. He doesn’t use people but serves them. He is loyal, dependable, and kind. Proverbs 20:6 challenges us:

“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?”

3. Courage to Stand Alone

When everyone else bows to culture, a man of honor stands for God. Like Daniel in Babylon, he draws the line where God draws it—regardless of public opinion. Honor often means walking a lonely road, but it is never walked alone. God honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30).

4. Humility Before God

Honor is not about reputation but character. It begins with a humble heart that recognizes dependence on God. Jesus modeled this perfectly. Philippians 2:8 reminds us:

“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

Becoming a Man of Honor

The good news? You don’t have to manufacture honor on your own. True honor flows from a relationship with Jesus Christ. The more we walk with Him, the more we reflect Him. And as we’re daily conformed to His image, we become the kind of men who leave a legacy not of fame or fortune—but of faithfulness.

Practical Steps:

Stay in the Word daily. Let Scripture shape your decisions and your heart.
Cultivate accountability. Invite brothers in Christ to speak truth and encouragement into your life.
Lead by example. Whether in your home, workplace, or church—model what it means to honor God.
Live repentantly. When you fall, own it, confess it, and rise again in God’s grace.

Final Word

Being a man of honor in a dishonorable age is not easy—but it is worth it. The world may not celebrate it, but heaven does. And one day, when you stand before your King, may you hear the words every man of honor longs for: