In a culture where standing out is often seen as arrogance, it’s easy to forget the biblical call to honor those who boldly live out their faith. This blog challenges the Dutch tendency to tear down rather than lift up, and makes a heartfelt case for restoring a culture of honor — one where spiritual …
Let’s be honest: in the Netherlands, we don’t like it when someone stands up and says what needs to be said. Someone with a clear vision or a strong sense of leadership is quickly labeled as “arrogant.” And if that person speaks with the fire of the Holy Spirit in their bones? Then things really get uncomfortable.
I’ve seen it happen many times. And to be honest, I’ve experienced it myself too.
"We live in a culture that values ‘equality’ and ‘sobriety.’ Beautiful values in themselves. But when they morph into criticism, jealousy, and holding each other back, we’re dealing with a spiritual issue. Something that stands in direct opposition to the Kingdom of God."
A culture that can’t tolerate heroes
The Netherlands has a deep-rooted history of distrust towards power. The Eighty Years’ War, the birth of the Republic, the influence of Calvinism, all these shaped a culture where authority is instinctively viewed with suspicion. Combine that with our famous phrase, “Just act normal, that’s crazy enough,” and you end up with a society that instinctively cuts down any head that rises above the crowd.
But here’s the question: is that how the Kingdom of God works?
Heaven Thinks Differently
In the Bible, I see something completely different. I see that God calls people who dare to stand up. People like David, who ran toward Goliath while others were hiding. Esther, who said, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16, AMP). Paul, who didn’t preach politically correct messages, but the full gospel and ended up in chains for it.
The Bible doesn’t call them pushy egos, but heroes of faith. Not self-promoters, but surrendered servants.
And then I wonder: if God honors such people, why are we often so hesitant to do the same?
Building a Culture of Honor
I believe it’s time for a cultural shift in the Church — a heavenly culture. One where we learn to honor rather than tear down. Where we don’t dismiss people who stand up for truth, justice, and the glory of Jesus as exaggerators, but recognize them as messengers of God.
We need to learn to support today’s heroes instead of criticizing them. And we must learn not to forget the heroes of yesterday, but to honor them. Not because they were perfect, but because they were faithful. Not because they were flawless, but because they were obedient.
Honor doesn’t mean putting people on a pedestal. It means recognizing what God is doing through someone. And that is biblical.
The Kingdom Requires Courage
Anyone who wants to be a voice of truth today needs support. Not stones, but shoulders. Not gossip, but prayer. Because heroes of faith don’t grow in a culture of criticism, but in an atmosphere of spiritual encouragement.
Let’s make the culture of heaven visible on earth. Let’s not sideline the men and women who burn for Jesus, but encourage them, empower them, and stand beside them. That’s how we build not our own kingdom, but His.
In conclusion
If you are someone who’s called to rise up — be brave. Don’t let the fear of criticism hold you back. God honors those who obey Him, even when people don’t.
And if you know someone like that — honor them. Support them. “Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward” (Matthew 10:41, AMP).
It’s time to leave the tall poppy syndrome behind and embrace a culture of honor.
For the glory of King Jesus.
— Fausto Tumolo
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