LifeWay Family Bible Series for Feb. 3
Respect for God greases the gate for others
___ 1 Peter 2:13-3:17
___By Christine Hockin-Boyd
___Texas WMU, Dallas
___Respect. What a powerful and heavy word it is, but with different degrees of meaning in both secular and biblical viewpoints. First, let's make sure we know what the word means. Webster defines respect as "to consider worthy of high regard." Regard is defined as "to show respect or consideration for; to hold in high esteem."
___Disrespectfulness may involve telling jokes about leaders, ridiculing family members or employees, mistreating family members, neglecting responsibilities or exploiting people.
___As a child, I was taught to respect my teachers, authority figures and parents. As a teenager, I still was taught the same. As an adult, I continued to respect, but my eyes began to look upon individuals differently.
___Gradually, I began to see adults through different glasses. They weren't perfect. They had problems. They acted out their frustrations in different ways. Why was this happening? Was I becoming disillusioned? I soon began to respect others with various degrees of consideration. I began to watch and analyze behaviors. I began to pay close attention to the words said and promised. I found it amazing that Christians could be just as disrespectful as non-believers. What hope is there, then, to be able to respect others?
___How many times have you heard or said yourself, "He's going to have to earn my respect." That often is said after someone has been hurt or deceived. Great damage can be done when someone's respect has been lost due to deceitfulness, lying, manipulation and other destructive behaviors. Usually when respect has been lost for a person, it takes great work to rebuild it. How does one regain or earn that trust again? The heart and mind require delicate yet deliberate actions.
___Yes, respect is a powerful word. Have you seen a difference between the secular or biblical viewpoint yet? There's really not a difference. The biblical viewpoint typically involves a higher standard in regard to respect but only because of the value we place on it.
___For example, deacons are respected more than the preschool Bible study teacher. Whoa! What is wrong with that statement? If you didn't catch it, let me help you out. There is a tendency to place a higher respect on a person because of position rather than servanthood.
___The truth is all people are to be treated with respect, and Christ is to be reverenced. Christ is at the top. "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart'" (1 Samuel 16:7).
___The Bible is very specific and clear in the passage, beginning with verse 13, of who we are to respect. "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors." Authority figures are to be respected.
___Granted, it may be hard at times when decisions are made that go against one's belief system or values. It may be hard when lifestyle and conduct cause embarrassment. However, doesn't the consideration for high regard build when the authority figure accomplishes something mighty and is victorious?
___Be honest. What kind of respect did you have for President Clinton before, during and after the sex scandal? I dare say that the level of respect changed considerably. His behavior damaged your opinion or viewpoint of him.
___What kind of respect do you have for President Bush before and after Sept. 11? Again, his behavior is what you based your opinion on. Christians are to respect authority figures even if they don't agree with them. The understanding here is that submission to authorities should never involve actions that are contrary to God's word. We must look for every opportunity to humbly serve in the power of the Holy Spirit. Respect for those in authority include government and business leaders.
___The passage beginning with chapter 3 is one that is often used both positively and negatively. Unfortunately, the word "submission" often is mishandled. "Submission" is humbleness and taking into consideration for another. "Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands ..." (3:1) and "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives ..." (3:7). Respect one another. How simple can it be, yet how misused the passage is. Submission is a voluntarily act in which one cooperates out of love and respect for another. That can only be accomplished when God is put first. Respect God, and you can't help but respect one another.
___Questions for discussion
___ How does someone go about earning respect? How do they regain it after it has been lost?
___ Is it necessary to respect governmental leaders?
___ Is it easier to act respectfully to those in your home, or someone you meet in an elevator?
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