Aretha Franklin sings about it. Rodney Dangerfield longed for it. Athletes crave it. Everybody wants it. RESPECT. Sometimes respect is an illusive thing. I was taught as a youngster to show respect for my elders, parents, teachers, government leaders, church leaders, authorities (including police officers) and others in general. But in our society today respect is something that seems to be disappearing. Irreverence, suspicion, cynicism seems to prevail.
It's hard to respect politicians today with all the scandals that seem to be revealed on a regular basis. Corruption is the word most associated political figures. The list is endless but most recently news of South Carolina Governor Sanford's affair with an Argentinian woman and Illinois Governor Blagojevich's attempt to sell President Obama's senate seat exemplify the pattern in American politics. In my own area, local clerks and public officials have absconded with hundreds of thousands of public funds.
The steroid and various cheating scandals rock the sports world. There are more stories about A Rod's off the field escapades than his on the field heroics. Michael Vick's arrest for dog fighting, Plaxico Burress' gun charges, Donte Stallworth's sentencing for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk, Adam "Pacman" Jones' various club scene incidents only reinforce that fact that sports don't necessarily build character.
How many high profile church leaders and pastors have fallen from grace over sinful and seductive behaviors in recent years. But the high profile preachers and spiritual advisers aren't the only ones who prove to have feet of clay. In my own community in recent years, several church pastors have been dismissed for affairs, homosexual liaisons, embezzlement, child abuse and more.
I don't have to start in on corporate and banking leaders do I? Or how about teachers having sex with underage students? With all this going on it's no wonder respect has gone out the window. It's no wonder cynicism is high. Whatever happened to integrity?
Obviously not all politicians, preachers, leaders, teachers, athletes, etc. are corrupt. But the pattern of many causes us to distrust those in positions of authority period. Respect has to be earned and earning that respect seems to be harder than ever. I've recently considered changing my title to Life Coach, simply because of the negative connotations of the word, "Pastor." Even Spiritual Adviser is somewhat suspect these days.
If we want to earn the respect of our peers and others, Solomon has some simple advice. Live a life worthy of respect of others. He says that a good name is more desirable than riches and to be esteemed is of more value than silver or gold. He's right. To be honest, I'd much rather be appreciated and respected for what I do than make millions or even thousands of dollars. It's not that I'm interested in performing for people, it's that I want people to recognize my heart and service in a positive way. I don't have to have a church of 20,000 or live in an extravagant house or drive luxury cars. Just give me a little respect, recognition and maybe some honor.
But in order for me to get that, I have to earn it. It starts with my character, my sincerity, my authenticity, my humility, my heart of genuine service. It's not about my eloquence or talents or abilities or good looks. It's about what's going on inside of me, my consistency of positive behavior, my acts of responsibility.
God, I want a good name and a good reputation. I don't want to disgrace you by my actions or words or behavior. I want to bring glory to you and your Kingdom. I know that sometimes I'm inconsistent. I need your Spirit to work within me. Fill me with your character. Pour out of me. Touch others through my life, Lord, for your Kingdom.
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