How many of you were alive in 1967 when Aretha Franklin had her big hit, RESPECT?
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care, TCB
Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me)
A little respect (sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me)
Whoa, babe (just a little bit)
A little respect (just a little bit)…by Otis Redding
Did that start your morning with a smile? I hope so. Do you know what the Bible says about respect?
Did you know that God is no respecter of persons?
“ Then Peter said, “I can see, for sure, that God does not respect one person more than another. 35 He is pleased with any man in any nation who honors Him and does what is right. ” Acts 10:34-35 NLV
When Peter made this statement he was in the home of Cornelius. Cornelius was a Gentile, a non-Jew, and he was considered unclean, second-rate by the Jewish people. The Lord gave Peter a vision confirming to him that it was ok for Peter to go and preach to these people.
You see what Peter is saying here. God doesn’t prefer one race or nationality of people. What God does look at is the heart of man; does he honor God and do right.
Our respect or admiration should have the same basis. We often display prejudice because of someone’s educational or financial standing or lack of it. James is quick to point out that this is wrong. What we should be looking at is their character.
“My brothers and sisters, practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ by not favoring (respect) one person over another. 2 For example, two men come to your worship service. One man is wearing gold rings and fine clothes; the other man, who is poor, is wearing shabby clothes. 3 Suppose you give special attention (respect) to the man wearing fine clothes and say to him, “Please have a seat.” But you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or “Sit on the floor at my feet.” 4 Aren’t you discriminating against people and using a corrupt standard to make judgments?
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters! Didn’t God choose poor people in the world to become rich in faith and to receive the kingdom that he promised to those who love him? 6 Yet, you show no respect to poor people. Don’t rich people oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Don’t they curse the good name of Jesus, the name that was used to bless you?
8 You are doing right if you obey this law from the highest authority: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” 9 If you favor (respect) one person over another, you’re sinning, and this law convicts you of being disobedient. 10 If someone obeys all of God’s laws except one, that person is guilty of breaking all of them.” James 2:1-10 GW
And then there are those who show respect or preference to some because of occupational standing. Many times the CEO is treated with more respect than the janitor. Again this isn’t God’s way of thinking.
“Slaves, you must obey your earthly masters. Show them great respect and be as loyal to them as you are to Christ. 6 Try to please them at all times, and not just when you think they are watching. You are slaves of Christ, so with your whole heart you must do what God wants you to do. 7 Gladly serve your masters, as though they were the Lord himself, and not simply people. 8 You know that you will be rewarded for any good things you do, whether you are slaves or free.
9 Slave owners, you must treat your slaves with this same respect. Don’t threaten them. They have the same Master in heaven that you do, and he doesn’t have any favorites.” Ephesians 6:5-9 CEV
Respect, Biblical respect, has nothing to do with class, education, wealth or nationality. God says that all men and women are worthy of respect because they are His creation, created in His image. He wants us to show honor or value to one another, displaying His love.
“Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honor than you give yourself.” Romans 12:10 ERV
I realize this is an area where I still need some work. I am embarrassed by the times where I have looked at someone and judged them strictly on their appearance without knowing their character. God isn’t pleased when I do that.
I want to see through His eyes, having compassion for everyone I see. I truly want to live as Jesus did – He had no prejudice, He didn’t respect or prefer one person over another. His love for His Father was always first and then He loved us with the same love He had for himself.
“Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 38 This is the first and most important commandment. 39 The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” 40 All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40 CEV
Now back to a line from Aretha’s song:
“R-E-S-P-E-C-T…Find out what it means to me”
To me it means loving the way God does!