R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Respect: To hold in esteem & administration

One of the biggest misconceptions of our time is that we pair respect with how much we are loved/liked by others. However, this is far from the truth. Wanting the world to like you can compromise your walk with GOD. The world hated Jesus, so if Christ likes you should not be looking to be respected from a world’s eye view. We should simply just stand for truth and the things of God. We live in a time where many people won’t give respect, but they want it and chase it at any cost.

Genesis 4:3-5: “And the process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground and offering unto the Lord. 4: And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had Respect unto Abel and his offering; 5: But unto Cain and his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell”.

Eventually his feelings of disrespect caused Cain to slay Abel. As I watch individuals in the world and most importantly the church, I am seeing a bold spirit of disrespect. God pricked my heart that we have to make ourselves aware of what the enemy is doing. The world tells us to speak our mind and to be true to ourselves. However, I tell you to speak what is godly and do what he requires of us. Do this and you will receive respect as well as give respect.

Areas we need more awareness in:

• Respect for Authority: The bible tells us to obey the laws of the land, those who rule, and rain over us. (Judges officers, preachers, teachers, etc.)

• Respect for the house of God: texting in service, not giving your ear as the word of God is going forth, walking in and out as the word of God is going forth, socializing with friends and talking throughout the service. (When Jesus saw the disrespect of the temple he went ballistic and began to turn tables over and chase the people out with a whip, due to a lack of respect for the house of God)

• No respect self-respect: dressing inappropriately; lacking holiness and modesty, allowing inappropriate touching, sending or receiving inappropriate texts (sexting), defiling your body. (drugs, alcohol, etc.)

• No respect for parents: talking back, disobedience, rebellion. Isaac stretched himself on the altar to be sacrificed even though he was old enough to over-power his father.

• No respect for people: bad attitudes, rudeness, domestic arguments, and domination of others.

In closing, life is about relationships and no respect can kill relationships, your reputation, and the biggest of all the victims is The Church. So let’s make a conscious effort to give some R.E.S.P.E.C.T.