Respect
I do believe that respect is earned in relationship. I also believe that respect for a person’s position should be noticed. I respect people in leadership not because I know them personally, but because of the position they hold. I respect elected leaders even though I may disagree with their position on policy. I can disagree with a person without being disrespectful.
The Lord has more than earned my respect. He is my Creator. He is my Father. He is my Counselor. He is my Friend. I haven’t always shown the proper respect to the Lord. I’m learning that there is nothing more important than living in such a way that brings honor and respect to the Lord. I was created to honor Him and when I’m living in such a way that He is honored and respected, there is great harmony in my life.
The Lord speaks through Malachi to His people about respect and honor. I think it’s wise to learn from their mistakes. Check this out….
6 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name! (Malachi 1:6 NLT)
I want to genuinely respect the Lord for Who He is and all that He is doing in our world.
I want others to see Him when they see me.
I want my life to display respect, honor, obedience and surrender to the Lord. I don’t want my worship and obedience to be fake and shallow. I want my respect, honor, obedience and surrender to come from a place of deep faith in God.
The prophet Isaiah talks about disrespect in worship of God. Check this out…
13 And so the Lord says,
“These people say they are mine.
They honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
And their worship of me
is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. (Isaiah 29:13 NLT)
My words reveal respect.
My actions reveal respect.
My thoughts reveal respect…. Or not.
I want to respect the Lord in EVERYTHING I do and every part of my life as long as I’m alive.
Pressing On!
Dwayne