I sinned by not honoring this mentor. Here’s how I made it right…
Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:7)
In 1997, toward the end of his career, Fred Rogers was given television’s highest honor: a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Emmys. While the moment was supposed to be all about him, Fred characteristically made it all about others.
"So many people have helped me come to this night," he said. "All of us have special ones who have loved us into being. Would you just take along with me ten seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are? Ten seconds of silence. I’ll watch the time."
At this prompt, the room of Hollywood’s elite laughed awkwardly—until they realized Fred was serious. As Mister Rogers stared at the watch on his wrist, the cameras showed some of the world’s most famous faces silently honoring those who were responsible for them being in that prestigious room.
It’s hard to watch this moment and not tear up. Because honor like this is so rare and yet so beautiful—and also so biblical. In Romans 13:7, Paul said, "Give to everyone what you owe them…if honor, then honor."
A couple of years ago, the Holy Spirit convicted me of how I’ve failed to live out this command. I was telling some readers about a man named Mark Sharpe who was the most influential person in the early days of my career. But I realized it had been years since I’d spoken to Mark. And I couldn’t ever remember thanking and honoring him for the enormous contribution he made to my life and work. Shortly thereafter, I did. And Mark was profoundly grateful.
Today I want to challenge you to do something similar. Inspired by Paul’s command and Fred’s example, take "ten seconds to think of the people" God has used most powerfully in your life and work.
But unlike the stars at the Emmys decades ago, I don’t want you to just think about those people. If they’re still living, I want you to call or message them today. Randy Alcorn says that "Nothing is more fleeting than the moment of conviction." So if the Lord is convicting you of the need to honor someone, do it right now.
