R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Back in 1967 Aretha Franklin recorded a song that became one of the anthems of the feminist and civil rights movements. After all, everyone could identify with the call for "just a little respect." And all these years later, we still can sing along with the chorus. You're doing it right now, aren't you?
In the very disrespectful society in which we live, respect is hard to come by. It seems we do better with sarcastic barbs than with honor. We wonder why kids are so disrespectful, but adults don't do much better. We gripe and complain and show very little regard for those in leadership positions.
Unfortunately, we don't always do a whole lot better in the church. We are happy as long as things are going our way. But if we don't like the sermon or the songs or the decisions of the leadership...watch out! We mutter and complain and make sure everyone knows we are displeased.
But what if we responded in a different way? What if the leadership received respect, highest regard, love, and peace from us? Think of how the church would change. Think of how the world would change.
Respect. Just a little bit... (If only I could sing like Aretha. Sigh...)
"Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other." 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13
In the very disrespectful society in which we live, respect is hard to come by. It seems we do better with sarcastic barbs than with honor. We wonder why kids are so disrespectful, but adults don't do much better. We gripe and complain and show very little regard for those in leadership positions.
Unfortunately, we don't always do a whole lot better in the church. We are happy as long as things are going our way. But if we don't like the sermon or the songs or the decisions of the leadership...watch out! We mutter and complain and make sure everyone knows we are displeased.
But what if we responded in a different way? What if the leadership received respect, highest regard, love, and peace from us? Think of how the church would change. Think of how the world would change.
Respect. Just a little bit... (If only I could sing like Aretha. Sigh...)
"Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other." 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13
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