So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him…
Philippians 2:29 NIV
Honour People
Almost exactly one year ago, on February 20, 2025, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal to 52 individuals during a ceremony at Rideau Hall. The Coronation Medal program was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. It recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region, or community in Canada, or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to our country. In total, the medal was presented to 30,000 deserving individuals.
***
As usual, when it comes to who gets honoured, things look different in the Kingdom of God than what we might be used to. In a world that often celebrates fame, wealth, and influence, Paul’s words in Philippians 2:29 remind us to honour a different kind of hero—those who serve Christ faithfully and humbly. The apostle writes this about his friend and coworker Epaphroditus: “So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him…” Epaphroditus, the man Paul refers to in this verse, wasn’t a celebrity or a powerful leader. He was a servant, a messenger, and a brother in Christ who risked his life for the sake of the gospel. Paul urges the church to welcome him with joy and to honour people like him. Why? Because kingdom greatness is measured not by status, but by sacrifice. God sees the quiet acts of faithfulness—the prayers whispered in secret, the meals delivered in love, the encouragement offered when no one else notices. Today, let’s celebrate the unseen servants, the faithful encouragers, the ones who show up when it’s hard.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley