In the current political climate in our nation, honor is not a word high on the priority list. Unfortunately, among Christians this attitude is becoming rare. Note the insights of another writer:
"Political discourse is the Las Vegas of Christianity--the environment in which our sin is excused. Hate is winked at...Go wild Christ-follower. Your words have no consequences here...Not only are believers excused for their political indiscretions, but they are often applauded for committing them."
Whether our political leaders are Republican or Democrat our honorable behavior is not dependent upon their spiritual condition. When it comes to honoring people, the Bible does not leave room for us to decide if we think they are worthy of respect.
"Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." 1 Peter 2:17
This is an interesting command in the era of the Roman emperors. Many were sexual perverts, and such egomaniacs that they demanded worship. Yet believers were expected to "honor" them!
If we are not going to feel frustrated by this command when a politician who we feel is not worthy of our honor gets elected, we are going to need to embrace a high view of the sovereignty of God. And yes, I know it is difficult to harmonize the fact that God permits freedom of choice that does impact our world, yet no matter what human beings choose He is still able to overrule and establish His purposes.
The book of Daniel is a book that clearly develops this concept. For example, Daniel 2:21 "He removes kings and raises up kings." Daniel even told Nebuchadnezzar, ”You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory." Daniel 2:37
And God Himself called him, "My Servant" Jeremiah 25:9. Whichever way this election goes we can trust that God is ultimately sovereign and this being so, we can afford to honor/respect our elected leaders. If Daniel could afford to do this under Nebuchadnezzar's rule because of his confidence in the sovereignty of God, is God unreasonable to expect this of us?
