I know that I’m still really young. As a matter of fact, a lot of people would say that I’m one of those young “Whipper Snappers” that sometimes thinks he knows a little too much. That may be true, but I still think that I do have some knowledge of a few things. One of those things is showing people respect.
See, even though I’m still young, I was raised to show respect to those that are older me or are in a position above me. I was even taught, at a early age, to show respect to everyone because they deserve it.
I’ve been noticing an alarming trend. It seems like people that deserve it are shown less respect these days. The worst part is, many times it’s by the people that demand respect themselves. Sometimes, it’s the people that have learned to respect people and have taught their kids to do the same. It seems like people have forgotten to respect other people.
One of the places a lack of respect seems to be most prevalent is within the church. I was taught that you don’t disrespect pastors. God has called the man to teach and lead, and we should respect him for it. It seems like this is a lost art in most churches. Instead of being respected, the pastor is often bombarded at deacon meetings, talked about for what he wears, and pressed to answer questions about his reasons for leading the way he does.
Those in authority deserve our respect. Perhaps the person that deserves our respect the most is the person that God has called to lead the local church! I’ll leave you with this passage. After all, Paul did a much better job than I could ever do.
Romans 13:1-5 “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.”
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