"PROPER RESPECT"

"Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." "1 Peter 2:17"

Wow, what a mouthful of advice and counsel this is, especially in this day and age. I want to just teach through this passage as if we were sitting at the table having a cup of coffee.

Words are important. When the Bible says show, it means to not only say, but do. Not just words of respect, but actions of respect. Proper respect is important. Not just basic respect or obligatory respect... proper respect; which means appropriate respect. Not overly so, or insincerely, but with integrity and honesty; certainly not improper respect, but courtesy, professionalism, with decorum. These terms may seem antiquated but are needed now more than ever. Respect to everyone, without exception. Human respect, respect for humanity, the respectful sanctity of life.

Next, you have to respect everyone, but especially love your fellow believers, even if they seem less respectable. Fear God only, not humans, not leaders, not brothers and sisters. Fear God, don't fear the king. After all, He is truly our King. But, honor the king. Respectfully speak of the king because of his office; whether he is a monarch or a mayor, a president, or a committee chairman, show due respect to all. Do not speak evil or disrespect of our leaders. Use appropriate recourse. Use respectful language. You may dislike or disapprove but don't disrespect. Show honor to the office and the individual as a human in the role. These words are hard, but we need to put away our potty mouths and our scathing comparisons, our character assassination and our gossip, of everyone.

Let me finish with this thought. Concentrate on loving brothers and sisters in Christ. Focus on being more proper. Be careful of loose or coarse talk. Do not disrespect those whom you disagree with. Speak the truth in love. Don't let your improper words invalidate your point. God sees and hears it all. Think about that before you say what you think.

Pastor Fred

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