ABC's of Godly Character - R

R is for Respect! Respect means to view or consider with reverence; to view as having real worth. Showing respect is shown in many ways. It is shown by how we treat others, how we talk to or about people, and how we treat other people’s belongings. When we respect someone with Godly respect, we honor them because of who they are in Christ—a loved child of His. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:1-3 and as one of His 10 Commandments “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” No matter how old we are or what we think about our parents, God wants us to respect them – or respect their job as parents. When we respect and honor them, it will be a testimony to them and others of our God and our faith. God blesses the one who honors, respects and loves their parents, according to His Word. If we want people to treat us with respect, then we must first treat others with respect. Home is the first place where we should learn to respect others. We can always work on being more respectful to our families. If we learn to respect our parents, then we will already know how to respect older people, police officers, teachers, bosses, people in authority etc. Respect is a testimony of our faith in Christ and will bring blessings to us in the long run. Are you respectful to others or does sarcasm, hateful words, and bad attitudes seep out of you? Philippians 2:3-4 says “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others”. Is life all about you and what you want and getting things “your” way? When we think of others first and place them ahead of our own needs in life, then we are showing respect and honor.

Prayer starter: Dear Lord, let me be an example of Your Love to others. Help me to show respect to all people and put others in front of myself. Help me to be respectful to those who you set in authority over me. In Your Name, Amen.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to be respectful to everyone you speak to today. Lose the attitude and bring honor and glory to God by showing respect to others!