Thanks to Aretha Franklin, “respect” may be one of the least misspelled words in the United States. Unfortunately, in the midst of the gradually decline of our society, many people can spell respect but have no idea what it means to put it into practice. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines respect as “high or special regard” (“Merriam webster,” 2011). It appears from this definition that respect is an individualized response; what one person considers worthy of “high regard” may not be of value to another person. What is easier to decipher is what someone has respect for. Although respect appears to not be tangible, when it is present it results in observable responses.
When someone has respect for something or someone they treat it differently. They respond in the way that should be normal but is rarely observed. An athlete willingly follows the instructions of a coach. A student puts extra effort into class work for a teacher. A person protects a friend’s possession they have borrowed. All of these actions occur when respect is present. But the opposite is also true. When respect is lacking, attitude, motivation, and responsibility appear to decline. Respect begets obedience; disrespect produces waywardness.
So do we have a choice in whom or what we have respect for? Do we only have to show respect to those we personally hold in high regard? I Peter 2:17a says, “Show proper respect to everyone.” God created every person in his image. It is easy to say that we honor God or hold Him in high regard, but we often feel that some people are not worthy of our respect. God took the time to create each person as an individual in his image (“What does the,”). When we choose to not show respect for someone, we choose to disrespect someone who reflects the very image of God. Genesis 1 says that God created all things and saw that they were good. Keep in mind that God created the entire world as a good world. He bestowed the responsibility of respecting and taking care of the earth to mankind. It is easy to drop trash on the ground and leave it there. It is entertaining to light nature on fire just to see it burn. But would you drop trash or light a fire in the house of royalty? Taking care of the earth we have been given is another way to show God that we value who He is and what he has created for us.
Respect is evidenced by the actions we perform. We display universal respect when we consciously make an effort to place every person and every created thing, not just those people or things we like, above ourselves and our selfish desires. When we do this, we are demonstrating an understanding of the value God has placed on each person and every aspect of his creation. Respect is more than a thought; it must be reflected in our actions.
