Respect

Most people do not know how to give respect. In today’s world even the word “respect” is usually associated with power, progress and selfishness instead of sharing, humility and community. “Look what command I have” instead of “God I submit to your commands for my life”. It starts with us and then the ripples ebb through the world. We impact much more than we think.

Perception, publicity “spin”, and non-constructive communication tear away at respect. We don’t have a “respect” meter. We try to measure it (number of social media contacts, the contacts in our phone, etc.) and then distribute it as we see fit instead of giving it freely without inhibition. What you see is what you get. We see the opposite view and treat it with constructive communication. Respect can be earned the same way in public as in private if we don’t “disguise” ourselves among the two.

Respect for our life (health, well being, sin elimination, refinement, etc.) is always important. Self worth and esteem issues always permeate our mind. Often when we think we are being measured we are actually not even on that person‘s radar. Only God see the big picture yet we pretend we have the knowledge with how-tos and other non-complete methods. “How to Lie” and “How to Tell if Someone is Lying” instead of striving to be honest all the time and letting life occur as is with no “spin” or anticipation of what others our thinking.

The “Golden Rule” of “treat others as you wish to be treated”. This goal takes world awareness. I used to think I could get by without this knowledge (local, state, national, worldly, etc.), but we really do need it. Boundaries are good, but should not be seen as a defense. We have to hang in there. If something is communicated that I don’t like, then a typical “they just don’t know me” and, in the past, “they don’t know the real me” thought can close us off to opportunities. Too much awareness can also be bad and cause us to reveal unnecessary information while objectively listening and communicating to others. Valuing other’s opinion(s) about yourself can be helpful, but depending on their opinion to shape our life can be dangerous.

Doing your best at everything no matter what the task. People often ridicule this life action, but not because of you. We often think about ourselves when we see something exceptional. I want to do that. Tell me how I can do that. But even if we attain that exceptional skill. Do we really need it? How does it serve God? What would that look like? If we were leading, then what would that look like? God offers unlimited resources and possibilities for us. God can also be the guide. Does our life match with what He wants – that can be our measure.

I still struggle with materialism. Focusing on what the objects can do for the person or help enhance their experience. Materials are part of life. They can teach us organization skills, responsibility, and genuine care. A recent Verizon program commercial reminded me how we can get caught up in materialism (the "new phone" craze" in this case) and how accepted it has become. Getting a new phone upon release is portrayed as an appealing sensation (man open new phone box with light/sound effects several times). Media companies want to please their customers. This program, originally seen by most people as unnecessary, has now permeated our culture, which is a scary reality in today's media world. We might see it as progress, but we can be wary of the "ways of the world" so we are of it, but not dependent on it.

My refinement continues with prayer, conviction, and Bible readings like the following verse (15) from 1 Peter: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”

Most people don't know how to give respect because they have not surrendered to God's will. I am a follower of God though I know my actions don't always follow His will, which is why have have to keep striving and refining my life.