“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

Continuing our series on Nashville Rescue Mission’s Core Values, now is a suitable time to focus the last one on the list, Culture of Honor. The word “culture” implies a shared set of values or beliefs; therefore, it is a good summing up of the intentional nature of all our core values. In other words, as we live out all our core values (Extravagant Faith, Radical Hospitality, Continuous Improvement, Excellence, and Culture of Honor) we are creating a certain set of expectations around our customs and behaviors—expectations for how we work together as a team.

The word “honor” is somewhat old-fashioned in that in the past you were more likely to hear about those living under a certain code of honor—chivalry or respect. It means high respect and moral integrity. Schools have honor societies, which usually require high grades as well as meeting strict standards of behavior and service. When used as a verb, to honor someone means to regard them with high respect; it also means to fulfill the terms of an agreement. “Honor” is a positive term.

The statement describing the Mission’s Core Value of Culture of Honor reads as follows:

We honor those that have laid the path before us…This is a belief that has us looking forward as we look back. We cannot launch without a launch pad. We cannot build unless we have a solid foundation.

We are building on a legacy that began in 1954 with an idea, a desire to help men who had no place to stay indoors, no sure next meal. Our main purpose was, and continues to be, to offer a cup of cold water in Jesus’ Name, and to offer the Living Water of Jesus Christ. On this foundation, and beginning with two rented rooms and five guests more than 72 years ago, we have expanded to serving men, women, and children on the two campuses that comprise Nashville Rescue Mission today.

…and bless those who labor among us…. Nashville Rescue Mission has grown and evolved to where we are today based on the efforts of our staff over the years. We have much to be thankful for, and we are certainly thankful for the more than 130 men and women plus countless volunteers who are so faithfully serving the Mission today with their gifts and talents and experience.

…. as we embrace the future ahead of us. We are excited to welcome our new CEO, Stephanie Sewell, to lead us forward. While embracing changes in leadership, we pray to remain faithful in both in our personal and Mission roles:

• To the authority of those God places in leadership roles
• To the Word of God
• To share the gospel of Jesus Christ and His saving love and grace
• To carry out the Great Commission to disciple those in our care
• To “love one another”
• To steward the resources of time, talents, and donations of money and all other gifts

So, as we do our best to live out the core value of Culture of Honor, let us do so not only with those in mind who went before us, but also keeping in mind all those who will come after us. Let those who come behind us find us faithful, as in the words to this beautiful hymn: Find us Faithful.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

In Christ,

Judy