Today, we are continuing our look at the third commandment, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain”, which protects our legitimate motivational need for honor. When we dishonor God, we dishonor ourselves. Honor is one of the outcomes promised by God, when we fear Him and walk in humility.
Everyone has an inner need to feel honored.
When we are honored, we feel significant. When we feel significant, we are much more likely to cooperate with those doing the honoring. In business, there are many practical ways you can honor someone. I remember Dave, a barber I had in the ’70’s. Whenever I walked in his shop to get a haircut, he would make a big deal out of my arrival and communicate to all the customers and coworkers how honored he was to have my business. He made me feel like a celebrity.
Dave was a really nice guy, but people used to ask me all the time, “Uh, who cuts your hair?” and before I could answer they would usually offer the name of the person they were using. In other words, they did not feel I had a very good haircut. However, I chose not to change barbers because this man made me feel honored. When people feel honored it enhances their significance and they are much more likely to give you their business, even if there are better options elsewhere. Having said that, we should always strive for excellence in our work!
To learn more about how you can excel in sales and business by cooperating with and applying Biblical truth, be sure to check out our Christian Business Institute.
Thank you Michael. I find that often with my clients, the temptation is great to “qualify” or “skirt” honor, as so many have walls when it comes to receiving genuine honor, and are suspect to motives. This usually happens during the first few calls. I will say, “by the way, has anyone told you today? Their ears perk up, assuming to hear something interesting. “Tell me what?””That YOU are appreciated”. This simple heart connected value has preceeded so many “You just made my day, or I SO needed to hear that!” It has grown the honor muscle, if you will, so that it is becoming more of who I am, than what I say. Another great, well timed, series. You are appreciated!
Honor is so important in all our relationships, family, friends, colleagues, and clients. Thank you for the reminder! I am really enjoying this series on the Ten Commandments.