R e s p e c t

We live in a time when there is little respect for anything. Children do not learn to respect their parent and consequently then they don’t respect their teachers, later the police officer and finally not even life itself. When we talk about respect you think we’re talking about some old fashioned concept that has no relevance to your life and to the 21st century. But have you ever thought about what the Word of God says about respect?

God gave us more than a good suggestion in Leviticus 19:32. This is a commandment. “You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God..” and he signs it: “I am the LORD.”

Elihu, one of Job’s “friends” had learned respect. Job 32:4 “Now because they were years older than he, Elihu had waited to speak to Job.” Young people! Learn to respect others and especially those who are older than you! Even when you think that they are wrong. We are taught that “we all have the same rights,” and while that is true as far as the law is concerned it is NOT true in your social dealings. How good it is to learn to say, “yes sir.” Call your aunt, “Aunt Jane” not just Jane. Call your pastor, “Brother Rogers” or “Pastor Rogers” not just Rogers.

Respect is giving your seat to an older person. Even the great king Solomon rose up and bowed down to his mother. I King 2:19. As a young person you might feel that your parents don’t deserve respect because, “they don’t respect me.” Parents should be an example of respect but even so, it is the young person who should respect. We tend to blame our parents or someone else for our shortcomings. Don’t do that! You and you alone are responsible before God!

If you are privileged to have parents or grandparents who are godly then give them double respect. Prov 16:31, “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.” 1 Tim 5:17, “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” This would apply to your pastor, youth leader, Sunday School teacher and older people in the church.

Disrespect is a sign of the last days. Isa 3:5, “The people will be oppressed, every one by another and every one by his neighbor; the child will be insolent toward the elder, and the base toward the honorable.” This phenomena, however is not limited to us today. Even in the days of Job, some young people had not learned respect. Job 30:1, “But now they mock at me, men younger than I, whose fathers I disdained to put with the dogs of my flock.” Job was a godly and honorable man, but these kids had no respect for him. We are to honor men for their age and position in life, even ungodly men. The Apostle Paul, in addressing Festus, responded, “… I am not mad, most noble Festus..” Acts 26:25. Festus was far from being a godly man and yet Paul shows him respect as one in authority. In writing to the Romans he exhorts us, as believers to …render therefore to all their due.. fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. In saying that this is a sign of the last days doesn’t mean that I have to be disrespectful. On the contrary, we are to be blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

The wise Solomon shows us that being older is something to be proud of. The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head. Prov 20:29. Strength characterizes youth. Young people will use their strength for good or evil. There are a few young people that have paid attention to this verse and listened to the advice of the older and wiser. Imagine wisdom with strength! The old are wiser but they do not have the energy. The young are strong, but many times use their strength in the wrong way and for the wrong things. A wise young person is a great thing. Respect older people and learn from them.

RC