Ken Turner looks at how we treat one another

Ken Turner

On a recent visit to England, we attended a Remembrance Day service in a little country church in Surrey. The service included an Army Captain, who has served with the armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, a recording of the famous speech by Sir Winston Churchill in honour of the heroes of the Battle of Britain, and a message from one who was drawn into the Second World War as a boy when his village was bombed and some relatives were killed. In all a fitting tribute of honour to Britain's war heroes of the last 100 years. A tribute, lest we forget the sacrifice they made in order to preserve a future generation.

That evening I switched on the television to watch the news and was immediately struck by the contrast. Just a few short hours before, I had been touched by the honour and reverence paid to our war heroes. Now watching the news headlines, I was confronted by a report of the dishonour of the elderly, another of binge drinking episodes that had spilled over into the streets and the resultant dishonour shown to the Police as they dealt with the situation and finally a report of dishonour of a football referee by players during a game played that day.

I am a South African, and I hasten to add that I could have found similar evidence of dishonour in our daily newscasts - different circumstances, but with the common theme of dishonour in our culture.

This led me to think of what life could be like if an entire community focused on cultivating a culture of honour and respect for every individual, whether in schools, shopping malls, family life, on the road or in government.

This thought was further reinforced on returning home when I had the opportunity to get a taste of what this could be like: Two ladies, members of a neighbouring church, decided to honour and serve the household refuse collectors in our community. They organised for the refuse collectors to be transported to an upmarket restaurant where they were welcomed in a specially decorated dining hall and treated to a first class meal along with entertainment. They left with a personal gift, a framed photograph of themselves taken that evening at the celebration. The event was about honouring them and letting these men know that the work they do had not gone unnoticed and was appreciated.

What was interesting was the reaction of the refuse collectors. They were visibly shocked by this act of honour and kindness. They spoke openly of the abuse and dishonour they often experience while on the job. Being acknowledged and respected for the role they played in our community helped to dissolve their anger and frustration. Others were also touched by this show of honour. The bus company provided the transport free of charge and the restaurant provided the decorations and the meal at no cost. It was obvious that both those giving honour and those receiving it were changed by this experience.

Taking a broader view, I realised that God has honoured all mankind, you and me included. 'He made us a little lower than the angels and crowned us with glory and honour'. If you delve into this statement a little you will find that the culture of heaven is one of honour, and in that atmosphere of honour, GOD has transferred from Himself to us both glory and honour. This transfer is a spiritual principle - that in the presence of a culture of honour He is able to transfer from Himself to us, forgiveness, while at the same time commissioning us with a divine purpose of being His representatives in the community in which we live.

It is within this culture of honour that I am able to transfer my talents and gifts that contribute toward building a healthy, loving society. I am also in a position to receive the gifts and talents of others. I have heard a statement that communicates this powerfully: "in your presence I will overshadow you with that which overshadows me" - if dishonour overshadows me that is what I will transfer to you, but if honour has been established in me, that is what will be transferred to you when we interact.

The question that I continue to grapple with is this: "In everything I do, how can I live in a way that makes a positive contribution to building a culture of honour?" I find this is easy with many people, but probably, like you, there are some who I really struggle to find a way to honour. I know the answer lies within me - it is my decision to choose to act and speak in an honouring way. I have a strong determination to grow in showing honour to ALL people.

It is my hope that you will join me in consciously working towards building a culture of honour wherever life may take you.