What is missing in our world today? What is it that children lack in their interaction with adults? What is it that adults lack in their interaction with each other? What is it that citizens lack in their interaction with those who are in authority?
What is one root cause of the bitterness in the workplace today? What is one root cause of the murders that are taking place throughout our land? What is one root cause of the vile attacks that are taking place among politicians and elected officials? What is one root cause of the all-out assault that is being waged against Christians today?
When you start asking questions like these, there are a number of answers that could be given. And, as always, “Jesus” and “the gospel” are definitely the key answers. One of the central teachings that comes from Jesus and the gospel in regard to our interaction with others is the fundamental, essential, oft-neglected matter of good old R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Now that you know the answer, let me ask a few more questions. What is needed in our homes today? What is needed between a husband and wife today? What is needed between children and parents today? What is needed among siblings today? What is needed in the church today? What is needed between church members and elders today? What is needed toward lost souls today? What is needed for those who are elderly today? What is needed for those of a different race today? What is needed for the snooty customer service representative today? What is needed for school teachers and principals today? What is needed for public servants today? What is needed for police officers and firefighters and first responders today? What is needed for our military men and women today? What is needed for every living soul on the planet? In case you forgot—R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
It should not surprise us one iota that many people today have no respect for God! What would lead them to have respect for a God who they cannot see when most of them have no respect for His living creations who they do see? But, respect for God is where it starts—”Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecc. 12:13). Do you respect God?
Then, we must respect our fellow man! Every one of them! Even the ones who are hard to respect! Even the ones that we are being told not to respect! “Honor all people” (1 Pet. 2:17). “Do good unto all men” (Gal. 6:10). “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39), even “your enemies” (Matt. 5:44). “In everything…treat people the same way you want them to treat you” (Matt. 7:12, NASB).
Heaven will not be home to the disrespectful!