27 It is not good to eat much honey,
Nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory.
Proverbs 25:27 (NASB95)
I used to seek honor for myself; out of pride, motivated by insecurity. (But the honor I sought is not the honor that Jesus has). I wanted other people to tell me how great I was to drown out my “silently loud,” deep down, almost hidden from myself, constant fear that I am inadequate, I don’t measure up, I’m a failure. I am repulsed by people like me. I have an inherent aversion to those who are proud. My gut revulsion is because these people don’t recognize that I am the most important person there is, not them.
Jesus did not seek honor for himself, he sought honor for his Father. Jesus went to the cross so that “they would know that You sent me.” So why do I honor Jesus so much, as well? He valued my need for relationship with the Father, more than his own life. He didn’t take into account that I literally hated him and cursed him. That I hurt his people every day. And that I was inherently a rebel. He saw my need for Him and the Father and the Holy Spirit; and He willingly gave up His own life to meet that need. And He rose to give me His life. And I am now adopted; I am his child; and I am free to love.
Jesus wasn’t seeking honor, He was loving.
And I love and honor Him for that.