Honorable - Monday Musing, June 27, 2022

Dear Church,

Honorable – deserving of respect or high regard; a title indicating eminence or distinction, given especially to judges and certain high officials. Former acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, former acting Deputy Attorney General Richard Donoghue, and Steven Engel, who headed DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel were among the witnesses at the January 6th hearing last Thursday. I noticed the placard on the witness table in front of them, giving them the title Honorable. Each testified about the events surrounding the January 6, 2021 violent insurrection. Their testimony shed light on behind-the-curtain conversations with former President Trump, saying there was no evidence of election impropriety. Their testimony countered the narrative of a “stolen election,” going against the belief of their former boss. Their testimony before the congressional select committee examining the events surrounding the January 6th insurrection brought honor because the witnesses testified honestly, honorably.

When Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, he told them a parable: “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give this person your place,’ and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:7-11).

The January 6th select committee seeks clarity, to shed light on the truth. Testimony by those who set aside partisan differences has helped peel back the onion concerning the multiple-path conspiracy to overturn the results of a free and fair election. Were it not for honorable public servants in various positions across the country – DOJ personnel, Secretaries of State, election workers, and those involved to certify the presidential election – the outcome could have been far different. The DOJ witnesses have shown their worth and stature based on their actions, and displayed a moral code of the society at large. These witnesses are distinguished and deserve being elevated to a place of honor for testifying honorably, truthfully – ‘Friend, move up higher’ at the table.’

There are those who have been less honorable in their actions – spreading conspiracy theories, publicly lying, and pushing a partisan narrative of a stolen election. Scripture emphasizes honoring others – see 1 Peter 2:17, Romans 12:10, Psalm 8:5 – which points to a biblical command to honor God. God fashioned human beings in God’s image. When we honor others, no matter who they are, we honor God. As people of faith, may we be honorable in all we say and do. See you in church!

Faithfully,

Darren