Honour To Whom Honour

By Ted Mock

December 24, 2025

Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Today Jo and I were privileged to attend a Sunday service where they were going to have a surprise party for a dear friend’s ninetieth birthday.  Jack Gwinn was a friend of my father from the time they were in Bible College together.  We reconnected at a preacher’s fellowship when the host pastor called on me to pray.  Pastor Gwinn heard my name and stepped into the aisle, expecting to see Ted Sr. and saw me, Ted Jr., instead.  From that day forward he became a dear friend and became like a father to me to help fill the void left after my dad died.

In the intervening years, Pastor Gwinn and I have had many adventures together traveling to preach for men he trained in the Bible College he had in Illinois.  Some he led to Christ, helped save their ministries, or stood by them in time of crisis.  I could tell you dozens of stories that I heard from those men we visited, and just as many personal stories of the times we have had together.

The celebration was held at a small country church that was down to ten or twelve people who had recently called a new pastor Brother Gwinn found for them a few months earlier.  Sunday morning’s attendance was 72 and 129 showed up for the party and afternoon service.  Two other pastors, who Pastor Gwinn sent out to start churches, were there.  Tears of joy were shed, testimonies given, and an old man was honored because he was due honor for 65 years of faithful service to the Lord. 

It was encouraging to me to see a man finish well.  May the Lord help me do the same. 

Reflection—A pastor who rules well is worthy of double honour.