R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Respect is something all men want, but not something that all men are ready to give. The phrase, “Respect is earned and not given” seems to be used in reference to physical things but never for spiritual things. If there is one being in this universe that deserves our respect, that One is God. He created everything (Genesis 1-3). He created man in His image (Genesis 1:26-28). He made it possible for man to get to Heaven (Revelation 22:14). God has done more than is needed to earn the respect of His creation. Sadly, none is shown. Man refuses to give the proper respect to God in a number of ways. When man refuses to glorify God for all God has done, man shows a lack of respect. God warned Gideon that due to the size of the Israelite army each would say that, “…Mine own hand hath saved me…” (Judges 7:2). These individuals would glorify self over God, in the process showing no respect for their Father. Man shows disrespect for God by changing God’s Word to fit the doctrines of men. Despite the warnings given by the God in Heaven men are constantly adding and taking away from God’s Word (Proverbs 30:5; Revelation 22:18-19). Respect is taken from God and His breathed Word (2 Timothy 3:16) when this is done.

Though man would disrespect God, we can give Him the proper respect He deserves in a number of ways. Each of these can be performed in our everyday lives. Look at the examples given by Josiah and the Israelites in 2 Kings 22. We can honor God with our conduct. Hilkiah, the high priest, found the book of the law (2 Kings 22:8). He called the people together, read the law, and made a covenant that he and the people would “…walk after the LORD, and to keep His commandments, and His testimonies, and His statutes with all their heart and their soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book…” (2 Kings 23:1-3). In order to love God one must keep His commandments (John 14:15). It also shows that he or she respects God enough to do as He has commanded. Furthermore, the action of the Israelites during the reading and covenant are excellent examples of how respect can be given to God. “…And all the people stood to the covenant” (2 Kings 23:3). The people who heard this message stood in attention to the reading of the law. This does not mean the congregation remained standing throughout the entire service but there is an attitude to be emulated. The attention of the people was set on God and His Word. Too often, Christians allow outside influences to hinder the true reason saints weekly gather together. It could be personal problems, national crisis, or even a friend texting via cell phone. Instead of praising God as a Christian ought, more time is given to these outside sources. In doing so, we show no respect for God. Remember everything God has done for mankind. May we all let this knowledge lead us to have the proper respect to our God.