Respect – An Outdated Concept?

Everyone wants it… Respect. I know I do. Do we all have lapses in the way we treat others? Absolutely. Speaking kindly to others, followed up by subsequent positive actions, creates successful relationships. This truth is supported by both God’s Ten Commandments and Jesus’ Ministry.

Thoughts about others proceed our actions. Our thoughts shape these actions. The Book of Psalms presents us with the desired mindset of a Christian:

Philippians 4:8 KJV

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

If we don’t fill our minds with positive thoughts, we easily fall into a careless manner of dealing with others. If we don’t think of someone in a loving and positive manner; our actions will be reflective of that attitude.

Jesus instructed us to love our neighbors. As adults, we should be aware of what constitutes a disrespectful attitude towards another. Actions not reflecting respect include: gossiping,

arrogance in manner and discriminatory behaviors.

Along with being loving, we show respect by placing others’ needs above our own. Christ acted in humility as he engaged in the washing of his disciples’ feet:

John 13:12-15 KJV

12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

In these End Times, respect towards one another seems in short supply. Scripture points out prevalent end times’ attitudes:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Let’s carefully choose our attitudes, words and actions towards others. The body of Christ should, in particular, tend to one another with love and respect. Each of us has talents to offer as valued members. If we do not model respect for one another, how can we possibly go out into the world and treat with loving respect others not of our faith. If we disregard another’s inherent worth, we have failed Christ.

-Melanie DiLeo