Do You Show Respect?

Do you show respect for those in authority?  Christians are commanded to "render to all their dues, . . .to him who calls for respect, such respect,"  Indeed, our subjection to the subjection  to the "superior authorities" includes not just that we pay our taxes but that we respect  the authorities by our conduct and speech.  (Romans 13:1-7)   Faced with government officials who may be harsh, how do we react? In Chiapas State, Mexico, the authorities in one community had taken over the farmland belonging to 57 families of Jehovah's Witnesses because these Christians did not participate in certain religious festivals.  At the meetings that were held to resolve the matter, the Witnesses, clean and neatly dressed, always spoke with dignity and respect.  Over a year later, the decision was rendered in their favor.  Their attitude won the respect of some observers  to the extent they too wanted to become Jehovah's Witnesses!

How can you show respect for God-given authority in the family?  After discussing Jesus' example in suffering evil, the apostle Peter said: "In like manner, you wives be in subjection to your own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through  the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect."  (1 Peter 3:1, 2; Ephesians 5:22-24)  Peter here emphasized the importance of a wife's being in subjection to her husband with 'deep respect," even though some husbands may do little to deserve such respect. A wife's respect may win the heart of her unbelieving husband.  (It also says that the husband should not mistreat/abuse   their wives and their wives should not mistreat/abuse   their husbands. It works both ways)

In the context of these scriptures, Peter draws our attention to the example of Sarah whose husband, Abraham, was an outstanding example of faith.  (Romans 4:16, 17; Galatians 3:6-9; 1 Peter 3:6) Should wives with believing husband give them any less respect than wives with unbelieving mates give theirs?  What if you do not agree with your husband on some matter?  Jesus gave some advice that can be applied in a general way here:  "If someone under authority impresses you into service for a mile, go with him two miles"  (Matthew 5:41) Do you respect your husband by going along with is wishes? If this seems too difficult, share your feelings about the matter with him. Do not assume that he knows how you feel.  (they cannot read your mind like you think they can)  But when you make your wishes known to hm, do so in a respectful manner.  The Bible admonishes us:  "Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt, so as to know how you ought to give an answer to each one." -Colossians 4:6) 

How about your children? God's Word commands:  "Children, be obedient to the Lord, for this is righteousness:  'Honor/respect  your    father and your mother;" which is the first command with a promise."  (Ephesians 6:1-3)  Notice that being obedient to your parents is considered synonymous with 'honoring/respecting your father and your mother.' The Greek word rendered "honor " carries the meaning to "prize" or "fix a valuation upon."   Thus, being obedient requires more than begrudgingly following the parental rules that may seem unreasonable to you.  God asks you to esteem your parents highly and value their guidance. -Proverbs 15:5. (remember they don't owe you, you own them)

If your parents do something that tends to diminish your respect for them, what then?  Try to see matters from their point of view.  Have they not "caused your birth" and provided for you? (Proverbs 23:22)  Are they not motivated by love for you?  (Hebrews 12:7-11) Speak respectfully to your parents, explaining in a spirit of mildness how you feel. Even if they respond in a way that you do not like, refrain from speaking disrespectfully to them. (Proverbs 24:29)  Remember how David maintained  his respect for Saul even when the king strayed from following God's counsel. Ask Jehovah to help you to deal with your feelings. "Before him pour out your heart," said David.  "God is a refuge for us." -Psalm 62:8; Lamentations 3:25-27.

Next time: Honor Those Taking the Lead

The Watchtower, 2000