There’s an Element of Respect That is Due Everyone

When Otis Redding composed and performed his hit song in 1965, I’m sure he had no clue that it would literally transform the career of a 25- year-old young lady 2 years later. So much so that ‘R-E-S-P-E-C-T’ is more often considered Aretha Franklin’s masterpiece. Admittedly, the Queen of Soul (music) reworked parts of the song, which helped catapult her into stardom. Since then,’R-E-S-P-E-C-T’ has enjoyed a few covers by heavy-duty performers over the years, such as Diana Ross and the Supremes and Jennifer Hudson

Was it the catchy beat that carried the magic, or was it the demand for just a little bit [of] respect that makes the song remain in our hearts? We probably will never know. What we do know is that there’s an element of respect that is due everyone. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.

Romans 13:7 NIV

[7] Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.

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

As Otis Redding, Diana Ross, and the others have announced, Paul says it’s about ‘Real Respect’ for our fellow humans. It seems unnecessary. We all know we should have – and demonstrate – respect for each other. Seems it’s easier said than done. We may find in life that we have to demand respect, as though it were outstanding wages.

Self-Check

Have you had to demand respect from others? I have. How did that feel? Have we been less than respectful to others? Was it intentional?

Application

While respect seems like it ought to be natural, human nature seems to have leaned into disrespect as though it was a virtue. It has even become normative, existing as a way of life in some communities, as part of their culture of public rivalry. It may be that when we as humans begin to ask whether all that is necessary, such systems might change.

It begins with respecting ourselves. That comprises an acceptance of our own humanity, thus regarding ourselves as worthy of dignity and possessing agency. Dignity, as in worth and value simply for being human (made in God’s likeness); and agency, the ability to act or speak on our own behalf (and be taken seriously). Sometimes, we face disrespect because our attitudes suggest that we think we are either undeserving or unworthy of respect. It doesn’t make those others correct for disrespectful attitudes towards us, but it may mean we need to change our attitudes toward ourselves. Charity, or on this case, respect, begins at home.

If/when we master self-respect, we will find that transferring those values we’ve engendered in and for ourselves ought to be natural. Because we’re doing then to others what we desire for ourselves. That’s biblical – Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31 both quote this principle. Oh yes. It might feel simpler to us if considered in light of Philippians 2:3, which tells us to be humble and to think of others as being more important than ourselves. Not in false humility but in service (servanthood) to others.

That’s not always easy. Living s life of faith isn’t easy. One site proposes 5 simple actions demonstrate our respect. They are:

– Be on time

– Listen well

– Show appreciation

– Apologise (without trite excuses)

– Be considerate of others

Sounds doable to me

Point to Ponder

What if we were to select one action that we wish to improve on with others and start there? By God’s grace, we can.

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May all we seek be found in Christ