Everyone desires to be respected and held in high regard. Whether we admit it or not, we are affected by the opinion of others. The people we admire the most are those who respect others. Respect begins with what Sunday school teachers call, ‘The Golden Rule:’ “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Matthew 7:12
Sometimes we confuse respect with admiration. Admiration is earned when we prove ourselves trustworthy by “practicing what we preach.” We may lose admiration for someone who has disappointed us, but we must never lose respect. Even the drunk laying in the street is made in God’s image and should be treated with respect. The loss of respect in this country for life and authority is devastating.
Romans 13:7
“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom … and honor to whom honor.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
The value of the currency in America is established by the Federal Treasury Department. A picture is supposed to be worth a thousand words, so I’m going to give you a visual illustration.
- Pick up a dollar bill. You have no idea where this money has been. Statistics at one time revealed that one out of every twenty dollars has been used for drug trafficking. It could have been involved in theft. Perhaps it was lost or thrown away and recovered. It may be old, new, crushed, or torn, but that doesn’t change its value. Its worth was ascertained by our highest governmental agency. The same is true for you.
- Respect what God values. Your value was established by the Most High God and can never be reduced. God does not give us the right to disrespect that which He has created. “Though the Lord be high, yet hath He respect for the lowly.” Psalm 138:6
“For I have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish My covenant with you.” Leviticus 26:9
