Honor and True Devotion: What does it mean?

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”— Matthew 22:37 (KJV)

The Spirit of Honor in Japan

In Japan, the idea of honor runs deep—woven into the nation’s history, customs, and way of life. From the ancient bushidō (武士道) code of the samurai—literally, “the way of the warrior”—to the quiet dignity of modern life, honor has long guided how one lives, works, and interacts with others.

Bushidō was not simply a rule of conduct; it was a way of being. It taught loyalty, courage, discipline, and self-sacrifice. A samurai’s word was his life, and his honor was worth more than his breath. Even now, those same principles can be seen in the care of a craftsman, the politeness of a bow, or the dedication to one’s duty.

There is something very admirable about this kind of devotion.

The Search for True Honor

From the beginning, mankind has sought meaning. We yearn for purpose, for something worth giving our lives to. We admire sacrifice, faithfulness, and integrity because deep down, we know we were made for them. But true honor does not come from devotion to a master, a code, or a cause—it comes from devotion to the Creator Himself.

When Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37), He was calling us to the highest form of honor—a love so complete that it fills every part of our being. It is not a love of convenience, but of commitment. It is not born of pride, but of humility and surrender.

True honor begins when the heart bows before its Maker. It is not measured by outward appearance, titles, or reputation, but by the faithfulness of a heart devoted to God. It is not the sword we carry that shows our honor, but the cross we bear daily as we follow Him.

Honor Transformed by Love

In ancient Japan, a samurai would prove his loyalty through great sacrifice, even at the cost of his life. In the same way, Christ revealed to the world what perfect devotion truly looks like. He laid down His life, not for recognition or earthly honor, but out of love for those who did not deserve it.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”— John 15:13 (KJV)

The world often honors strength, wealth, or position. But Jesus showed us that true honor is found in service and humility. He washed the feet of His disciples. He forgave those who mocked Him. He endured the cross for our salvation. He demonstrated that the greatest form of honor is not found in exalting oneself, but in surrendering oneself to the will of God.

Without love, honor becomes pride. Without humility, devotion becomes idolatry. But when love for God fills the heart, honor takes its rightful place—it becomes worship.

The Beauty of Reverence

Japanese culture holds a reverence for beauty and order. From the peaceful flow of a tea ceremony to the symmetry of a garden or the brushstroke of calligraphy, there is a deep appreciation for detail. Each movement reflects the respect for something greater than self.

This should be a reminder that we were made to worship. But when our awe is misplaced, we begin to honor the creation rather than the Creator.

“Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”— Romans 1:25 (KJV)

Imagine, however, when that same devotion, that same attention to beauty and order, is directed toward the Lord Himself. Imagine a heart that honors God in its craftsmanship, its daily actions, and its quiet moments. Instead of a man waking up each morning, greeting and bowing to the sun to thank it for the light it shines, this person now bows to the creator of the sun and thanks Him for creating its light. That is a beautiful devotion!

Living with Eternal Devotion

Every culture has its own understanding of honor—whether through achievement, duty, or sacrifice. Yet Scripture calls us to something beyond all these: a devotion that endures beyond this life.

To love the Lord with all your heart means to make Him the center of everything. It means choosing integrity when no one sees, remaining faithful when the path is hard, and walking humbly before God, even when the world mocks or misunderstands.

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”— Luke 9:23 (KJV)

That is the “way of honor” transformed into the way of Christ.

When honor and faith walk hand in hand, life gains eternal meaning. What once served earthly masters becomes a service to the King of kings. What once sought earthly reward now seeks the crown of life.

True Honor

In a world that often celebrates what is shallow and temporary, Christ calls us to seek what is eternal. He encourages us to a devotion that endures through hardship, obscurity, and even death.

Pray for Japan—a people whose deep respect for honor and dedication may one day lead them to see the glory of the One who is worthy of all devotion. Pray that the reverence of their culture becomes a bridge to the reverence of the heart that bows before Christ.

And as you pray, ask yourself:

How can I live today in a way that honors God fully?

What would it look like if every thought, word, and action flowed from wholehearted devotion to Him?

“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”— Revelation 2:10 (KJV)

That is true honor. That is a devotion that lasts forever.

By Justin Evergarden; Japan Gospel Project.