RESPECT

A few days ago I was waiting at a stop light as a funeral procession went down the road. The policemen were there and had traffic stopped but also people pulled off to the side and waited as the deceased passed by. This was the ultimate form of  respect before this individuals body went to its' final resting place. What an awesome show of respect by the general public. Some knew to stop and others had to be reminded by the police.

The late comedian Rodney Dangerfield was known for his line "I don't get no respect." Comical but not funny in real life. Husbands want respect from their wives and wives want respect from their husbands and parents want respect from their children. Teachers deserve respect from their students and bosses need respect from their employees.

The definition of respect is an attitude of admiration,state of being admired or consideration or thoughtfulness. Some Bible verses on respect are Leviticus 19:3 which says "'Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God." All of us know how important it is to respect our parents. But what if they do not deserve it because they were mean and abusive? That is something you have to take to the Lord. 1 Peter 2:17 says "Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." It is important to show respect for the elderly and not be making fun of them and making jokes. Leviticus 19:32 says " 'Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD." In many places the elderly are considered second class citizens. These individuals have lived a long life and contributed much to our world and deserve love and respect. Proverbs 11:16 says "A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth."

In the military it is important to honor and respect the leaders for good order and discipline. Proverbs 13:13 tells us "He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded." Military members better respect and follow a command or they pay stiff consequences for their disrespect. There is a reason for good order and discipline within the Armed forces so having disrespectful soldiers will not work. It can get a soldier 20 more push ups or  perhaps a dishonorable discharge.

The Lord God Almighty is worthy of our admiration and respect as well. In Malachi 1:6 it says "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?" says the LORD Almighty. "It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name. "But you ask, 'How have we shown contempt for your name?'" People do not respect the Lord when they take his name in vain or when they do not keep his commandments found in Exodus 20. When they knowingly sin it breaks God's heart and is not respectful. If you know what to do and do otherwise that is breaking God's law and his heart.

Are you showing respect to those people God has placed in your life? And do you respect the Lord your God who gave you your life?

PRAYER: Lord God I want to be respectful of all those persons you have placed in my life. Help me to not be haughty or overbearing and help me show your love and respect to all people you put in my path each day. In Jesus Name,. Amen.