Honor and Respect

Verse of the day: Exodus 18:7 So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and kissed him. And they asked each other about their well-being, and they went into the tent.

As I read this verse, it brought me back to the days when I was a child and it was absolutely unacceptable to be disrespectful to our elders. It did not matter whether it was a relative, a friend, or a stranger; we were to show honor and respect to the person simply because they were older than we were, or because they held an office or position of authority within the family or in society. If we knew them or did not know them, whether or not we agreed with their opinions, it would not go well for us if our parent(s) found out we were rude or disrespectful. I do miss those days. Today’s society has used freedom of speech, and a freedom to express opinions, as an excuse to be rude and disrespectful towards others. A difference of opinion is now an excuse to refuse to honor someone who holds an office of authority, and a prideful demand for our own personal rights is now a “valid reason” to behave in an unloving manner, rudely, disrespectfully, and dishonorably. Sadly, this has also seeped into the mindset of far too many Christians; who instead of showing love, and praying for those they disagree with, have chosen the same ungodly ways of expressing themselves verbally, and in their attitudes, towards those in authority, whether in public office or within their own families. We, as born again believers, should be setting ourselves apart from the world in the way we respond to the world. We are supposed to be representing the Lord, not just in proclaiming the Gospel, but in the way we live, our attitude towards others, and the way we speak to one another. I am afraid that too many of God’s children have taken to social media to express ungodly, disrespectful, and downright rude opinions, that do absolutely nothing to promote true Christianity or bring honor to the Name of Jesus. Instead of praying for those who are in office, regardless of what office that might be, or how they may be going about it, we have become like the world in the language we use, and resorting to name calling. In respect to this, God tells us in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” This does not mean we cannot have opinions or take a stand for what is right. However, it is never right to resort to the foolishness the world turns to in expressing our opinions or how we choose to take our stand. Moses, in meeting with his father-in-law, showed him due respect, and honored him as his elder and father-in-law. We are called to honor all people, whether father or mother, or any other family member, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and those in authority over us in the local church and society in general. 1 Peter 2:17 reads, “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” The bottom line is that the world should not be setting the standard for us, God’s children, in how we are to treat others. Jesus is our Standard, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, working in us, our guide; and we should be the example for others to follow. The Apostle Paul wrote in Titus 2:6-8, “Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” Moses did not see showing his father-in-law as something that was beneath him simply because he was chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. Not only did he show him honor and respect, but he was willing to heed to Jethro’s advice in how to better deal with the Israelite’s issues (v. 17-26). Showing honor and respect towards others, whether family, friend, stranger, or government leaders (due to their office) is not weak, or old fashioned; it is right, it is biblical, and it honors God. 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that love does not behave rudely, is kind, and is not provoke, just to name of a few. We are called to love; so let us think about that the next time we have an opportunity to choose whether or not we are going to act like the world or like Christ in expressing our opinions, or how we are going to treat and talk to someone, especially those we are called to honor and respect.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).