Respect: Valuing one another highly, treating one another as important, and honoring one another with our words and actions. (Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 2;17)
It seems respect for others, especially those in authority, is not what it used to be. Back in the day, respect for our teachers, parents, police officers, The President was something that we never questioned. We did as we were told, and we held those in authority in great honor. Sadly though,for too many people that is becoming a thing of the past.
Watch the news and you will see that this is true. So many no longer place value in those in authority. Instead, that authority is challenged constantly. We see protest,conflict, slander, beatings, and in some cases even the killing of those in authority. It can be a very sad world.
Jesus – The Light of the World: (Jesus Meets Our Need For Respect)
Romans 13:1 says: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Do you think this scripture is still meant for today? We are commanded to respect those in authority. This is not a political post but a post about the value God Himself places on those in authority over us. God Himself has put him/her in that position. Can we trust that? Can we trust it even if you don’t agree with all those in authority may stand for? (In the Bible we read about the followers of Jesus who submitted to authorities unless the authority went directly against God. God’s will and truth takes precedence.)
Would you spend time reading Romans 13 and ask God to speak to you on this subject?
His Word – A lamp and a Light
Let’s do:John 13:34:A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
How has God loved you? Has He ever disrespected or devalued you? Why then would we not show respect and value to others, especially those in authority?
Those in authority need our prayers! They have so much responsibility placed on their shoulders. Every day these men/women walk into situations that we can not even imagine, making decisions that are weighty.
Would you pray for these men/women? Teachers, first responders, military, your boss, the government, The President…can you commit to pray for them? Maybe you can show your respect for some of the local authority with a note of thanks, a word of appreciation, or a paid meal at a restaurant! We have an obligation and privilege to pray for those in authority even if we never meet them face-to-face.
Imagine yourself in one of these positions. What do you think your day would look like if you were? How would you like to be treated? Now compare that to how those in that position are usually treated. YOU can make a difference from what the world normally shows them! What a welcome response that would be, if they received respect from you and me!
You And I Are “The Light of the World” – Jesus Said So.
This week can you gather your family together and talk about those in authority over each of your lives? For example: Ask your kids to tell you about their teachers and coaches, how he/she treats them personally, how they treat others and what your child may like or dislike about how they are treated. You can share the same about your boss, (remember to keep it respectful but honest. Help them see that you don’t have to agree with a person in authority to show respect. Even appealing respectfully to an authority may be in order if change is needed.
Talk about those in authority over your family… police officers, The President, government, your pastor etc… Talk about how as a family you can show respect to him/her. Talk about your opinions about those in authority and come up with solutions on what you feel God is asking of your treatment of them.
If we don’t talk about and teach respect, our tendencies will be self-focused and not others- focused. We can remind one another to love as we want to be loved, to show value and respect to those in authority, as God values and loves us – now that’s a good barometer!