October 2, 2008
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
At
that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy
One of Israel. Isaiah 17:7
KJV
Back
a few years ago a singer put out a song called RESPECT. One famous comedian said
“I can’t get no RESPECT.”
This
got me thinking about how God must feel sometimes in dealing with us and whether
we really respect him. Do the words we say, the thoughts we think and the lives
we live give or bring RESPECT to Him? Beyond our God what about the way we treat
those around us? A famous quote goes, “Respect is earned not demanded” So
the question for us is do we earn respect and do we give it to whom it is due?
These
are some questions I began to ask myself and contemplate the answer and seek the
Lord so he may effect a change in me and my attitudes regarding my issues. I ask
you to seriously contemplate these as well so that you may not be found lacking.
I have found that respect not affection is a vital key in my relationship
although in times past I would have argued affection was the basis. As leaders,
mothers, fathers or any position requiring authority and respect I have found
that sometimes I do not make decisions that will cause me to be loved. Rather I
make the right decisions and that will usually cause others to respect me. They
may dislike me or hate me, love me or like me, but in either case they will
respect me.
Below are some things now to consider and pray about for God to reveal to you
your weaknesses so that He can bring you to a place of true relationship with
Him and others.
Do you respect time?
Do you respect money?
Do you respect God's creation?
Do you respect opportunity?
Do you respect sleep?
Do you respect your body?
Do
you respect authority?
Do you respect the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?
Do you respect God's Promises in His Word?
Do you respect the subtle promptings and gentle nuances of the Holy Spirit?
Do you respect what your spouse has to say by listening intently?
Do
you respect your children?
Do you respect prayer?
Do you respect another's space?
Do you respect another's worth?
Do you respect your high calling?
Do you respect your unique anointing?
Do you respect the Lord?
Do you respect the final authority of God's Word?
Do you respect the power of the tithe?
Do you respect the potential of the offering?
Do you respect the principle of seedtime and harvest?
Do you respect the Glory that is released through Praise & Worship?
Do you respect your place in the body of Christ?
Do you respect another's place in the body of Christ?
These
are a lot of questions that will reveal who you are. We must be able to look
into this mirror and bring and conform ourselves to the image of Christ.
So
look here and discover yourself don’t turn away and forget who and what it is
you saw.
God
is waiting for you to truly look up to him and have RESPECT to the HOLY ONE, you
call God!
Under
His wing,
Darrel
Mason