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Honoris causa.
(For the cause of
honor.) If someone
slanders your name while walking on the street or gives you the finger while
driving, one might say you have been dishonored. A colleague from the
office talks about your family behind your back, is this act dishonoring?
In the past people have been killed for offences of similar nature.
However, the term honor has often thrown around and abused over the years.
Countless people have died defending or in the defense of honor. Even
today, in the Middle East and other countries around the world, people are
sacrificed every year in "honor killings" to purge one's family of dishonor.
Is this for the cause of honor?
Webster lists several definitions for honor, including "honesty , fairness,
or integrity in one's beliefs and actions," "credit or distinction," "high
respect as for worth, merit, or rank," or to give/receive favor. None
of these definitions relate to causing harm, killing, or avenging honor. These actions
often result from the anger or embracement of injuries
suffered. Now there is a
difference between avenging and defending honor. To "avenge one's
honor" is quiet an ironic saying because it is an attempt to punish
wrongdoing or correct a injustice in a violent, vengeful, or malicious
manner. There is no honor is such an action. This is not to say that
the penalties of the Law should not be exacted. However, punishment
should never be handled by a vengeful spirit because every human life has
value and one should not presume to judge over others. "For in the same way
you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will
be measured to you" (Matthew 7:2).
Truly defending honor is an entirely different matter. Defenses are set
before battle, not after the fact. Likewise, a true defense of honor is the act of protecting that
which has not yet been corrupted. It is not a crime to protect one's family
but the reverse could be argued. To know what is right and do nothing is
just as wrong as those who commit the offense. Seek to protect those around
you in mind, body, and spirit. It is to
your honor to do so. All
ways do what is right, and you will be honored. However, this praise
will not always come from from your peers or those around you. Many
who do not understand honor mock it, and those who envy your good deeds will
try to discredit you. But do not be discouraged, for
"to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and
immortality, he will give eternal life" (Romans 2:7). If you do not
know what is right, read the Bible and pray. Answers do not always come
directly from the text, but "every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like
shifting shadows" (James 1:17). Always pray for discernment that you
may know what is right and do what is honorable. |
