Some leaders are naturally better skilled and equipped than others, but according to John Bevere, all people in authority need to be honored --- no matter who they are or how they lead. In HONOR’S REWARD, the bestselling author of THE FEAR OF THE LORD and DRIVEN BY ETERNITY, argues that how you value, respect and treat others determines your reward with God. He uses scripture to explain why honoring those in authority is essential to finding God’s favor and blessing in your life.

The book begins by launching into a thick scriptural treatise into why honor is so important. Next, Bevere explains the difference among full rewards, partial rewards and no rewards based on honoring others. He then talks about why honoring a leader has little to do with the leader. Those who have been in abusive relationships or situations imposed by leaders most likely will disagree with a few of Bevere’s arguments presented in the chapter “Harsh Authority.” While the author clarifies the differences between submitting to authority and obeying authority, some will have lingering questions regarding the principle taught.

Chapter by chapter, Bevere walks readers through the importance of honoring civil leaders, social leaders, domestic leaders and church leaders. In describing honoring parents, he writes:

“In viewing our parents through the eyes of honor we will communicate with them in respect and love. Recall honor can be displayed in deed, word and even thought, but all true honor originates from the heart. So if young men or women speak in a flippant, careless, or irreverent way on a regular basis to their parents, they are displaying outwardly their lack of true honor for their parents.”

During the first half of the book, Bevere’s writing seems both overly forceful in its verbiage and forced in its arguments, but then in the second half something magical happens. His heart shines brightly throughout the pages, capturing the reader’s attention and response. The transformation begins in chapter 12, “Honoring Our Peers,” when Bevere becomes relatable and connects with his audience on a heart level. He begins sharing a series of vulnerable, insightful stories where he made mistakes and struggled to honor those in authority. At this point, the book is hard to put down.

Bevere shares a beautiful story of a pastor who hired one of his employees and the anger he struggled with. Then he goes on to describe a series of fortunate circumstances that led him not only to forgive this pastor but to engage in a deeper, more meaningful relationship with him. He also talks about being frustrated with his wife, Lisa. Only after focusing on her strengths did he begin to appreciate her and realize what an amazing spouse he had. At the same time, he awakened to the reality that he had been a lousy husband.

Overall, Bevere has a great message and a talent for examining scripture with a fresh understanding. HONOR’S REWARD is a healthy reminder to honor everyone you come into contact with and will empower you to truly love your neighbor as yourself.

    -