Ephesians 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’
“SHOW ME SOME RESPECT!” How frequently do we hear that harsh demand? Even some criminals who have just committed a horrible crime and are being taken into custody snarl out those words. They seem to think that their tough behavior earns them the right to be worthy of respect.
I see in our modern society a tragic breakdown in respect. It begins in the early years of a child’s life. They are not taught the importance of giving honor and respect to their parents. As a result of this lack of instruction, they do not feel the need to show respect to anyone.
It is significant that the pattern for respect begins back in the home. If children do not see an example of respect demonstrated by their parents, it is hard for them to learn to show respect. This negative pattern can be broken by coming before the Lord in humility and making a covenant to show respect to everyone around us.
Some may argue that if a person is not worthy of respect, we do not need to show them respect. I disagree with this line of thinking. The more we show a servant spirit in respecting people, the more the spirit of Jesus will be seen in us. I challenge you to put this teaching into practice.
God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil