Cultivating Honor and Community Joy

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June 28, 2026 – Josh Jenkins

“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.” James 1:22

Day 1: Cultivating Honor and Community Joy

When we step into fellowship with the body of Christ, there is an immediate, corporate joy that can be felt simply by resting in the presence of the house of the Lord. As Josh notes, an overflow of gratitude for the people who anchor the community—specifically acknowledging individuals like Maria and the musical “throwbacks” she played serving to minister to the hearts of everyone present. It is within this atmosphere of communal joy that we are reminded of a vital kingdom principle: the call to give honor where honor is due (Romans 13:7). As C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” This shift in perspective is the foundation of honor; by focusing on the value of others, we open our hearts to the grace God has poured into them.

True spiritual wisdom involves learning to recognize and celebrate the divine positioning of the people surrounding us. The message points to Eric Thickpen as a powerful example; long before he ever opens his mouth, he carries the distinct presence of God. He is recognized as a man of wisdom who understands the timing of the Lord, knowing precisely when to wait and when to speak. When we look at one another through the lens of grace, we begin to appreciate the “deep wells” of the Lord that others draw from, such as the speaker’s friend, Rachel.

We are challenged to open our ears and prepare our hearts to receive what these individuals have to offer, allowing them a platform free of pressure. As Mother Teresa said, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” We must protect the unique vessels God has anointed around us by actively fostering this culture of honor, ensuring we are not just hearers of the message of community, but doers who actively build one another up.

Reflection Questions

How can you intentionally cultivate a greater appreciation for the “joy in the house” when you gather corporately with other believers?
Who are the steady, faithful servants in your own life who routinely minister to you, and how can you show them more intentional love?
Do you possess the spiritual discernment to recognize and honor the presence of the Lord that someone carries before they ever open their mouth to speak?
What does it look like practically to acknowledge that you are “of the same spirit” as another believer, even if your personal relationship with them is still growing?

Life Applications

Practice Explicit Honor: Take time today to explicitly give honor where honor is due. Contact a leader, volunteer, or peer in your faith community—just as the speaker publicly honored Eric and Maria—and tell them exactly how their spiritual consistency ministers to you.
Listen to Deep Wells: Actively create a space with zero pressure for a brother or sister in Christ to share what God has given them. Open your ears fully to receive from the deep spiritual wells they draw from.
Be a Doer, Not Just a Hearer: Move past simply nodding along to encouraging words or spiritual compliments. Allow the truth of who you are in Christ to anchor your mind so you do not walk away from the mirror of scripture and forget what you look like.

We come before You right now, Lord, and we just thank You and praise Your holy name. We lift the Son of Man up high, praying that all men would be drawn directly to You, Jesus. Father, we pray that our relationship with You would never be reduced to a transactional baseline where we merely show up to get something from Your hands. Instead, let this be a season where we truly learn to come and cling tightly to You.

We confess in our hearts and believe fully in who You are, Jesus, and we stand in awe of what You truly accomplished on the cross for us. We pray that You would be magnified and glorified in this house and across our entire lives. Teach us to honor one another fiercely, to walk in the timing of Your wisdom, and to keep our hearts completely open to the deep wells of Your Holy Spirit. We ask for the grace to be doers of Your Word, walking in the light of the truth You have revealed to us, and actively recognizing the unique, beautiful vessels You have placed in our lives to sharpen and encourage us. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.