A meme by Motherhood. org on Facebook states, “If you have children, remember this: When you finish with them, the rest of the world has to live with them, so please teach them respect.”
Respect is a seemingly absent practice. It is often misunderstood for basic manners. Respect is more than just please and thank you, however. By definition, respect means “an act of giving particular attention: consideration; high or special regard: esteemed; to consider worthy [of high regard]” (Merriam Webster). When we look at this through a Biblical lens as a Christian, we see that respect is another facet of genuine love.
First and foremost, we have respect -a holy fear and reverence- for God, and we know our utmost purpose is to glorify Him in all we do. In her blog, Dannah Gresh states,
“Our children do not need self-esteem. They need God-esteem. If they esteem (respect and revere) God, they will understand their value, but not make too much of themselves. It’s time to remember who gives light to this dark world, and to train our children that to glorify God is to make Him known and visible. This is our primary purpose—not a great career, not a family, not fame, not wealth—worshiping God.”
Christians ought have a profound reverence and awe, a respect in knowing that God is still on the throne, sovereign and holy. When this “reverence” is used elsewhere in the Bible, those experiencing it fall down or bow down before Him. That’s a pretty intense respect in my opinion.
Second, there is respect for others. How often are we considerate of others, even to the point of valuing them above ourselves?
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
We are quick to think about me, me, me. My time. My money. My interests. But we lack genuine respect for others. And this doesn’t just include the “big stuff,” but our everyday conduct – our integrity. Doing the right thing. Following rules. How often do you follow those numbers on the MPH street signs? How often do you put the basket back in its appropriate place at the grocery store? How often are you punctual to an event to which you’ve committed yourself? It’s these presumably small things in which we convey respect. Making a habit of disobeying rules, failing to meet commitments to others (valuing their time and effort), and simply not honoring others above yourself demonstrates selfishness -something that’s in direct contrast to Christ. We must adopt and employ integrity. Always. Through integrity we show respect.
And we must teach this to our children. If they say they’re going to do something, teach them to stick to their word. If they’re saying hurtful things to another or mistreating their property, have them own up to it and apologize, teaching them why it was wrongful in the first place. Teach them to hold the door for others. Teach them the basic manners of “Thank you,” “Please,” and “Excuse me” always- even if you think it’s not deserved. Teach them to value life. Teach them to “do unto others…” even if the person is an “enemy.” All these fall under the category of respect. Respect for others and others’ things. And we teach all these things by example, by deed and not just word alone. Do we make mistakes? Yes, of course (at least I know I do). But we need to be honest about it, fess up to our mistakes, take the blame and punishment with a repentant heart and show our kids to do the same.
Finally, there’s self-respect. I’m not talking ego or pride, but a respect for our own lives – self-preservation. In respect to ourselves, we value our own life and its purpose (to glorify God in all we do). We do not do things mindlessly. We do not take unnecessary risks, placing our lives in danger. We take precautions and act responsibly. We care for our bodies – the temple of the Holy Spirit if we are genuine Christians. We live knowing we are bought at a price, and we are no longer our own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We also train ourselves for godliness, setting an example to others, living for Christ by watching the way we live (our actions) closely (1 Timothy 4:6-16).
So let us work on the art of respect and pass it along to the future generations.
Resources
“Respect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respect. Accessed 17 Jun. 2021.
Gresh, Dannah. 2015. Revive Our Heart: 3 Things Your Children Must
Know About Gender Identity. Retrieved June 17, 2021 from https://www.reviveourhearts.com/blog/3-things-your-children-must-know-about-gender-iden/
All Scripture (unless otherwise noted): English Standard Version Bible. 2021. BibleHub.com and
English Standard Version Bible. 2016. Crossway