By Van Yandell
Matthew 7:12 “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
Watching an interview recently, I was appalled by a response from the interviewer to the teenager he was questioning.
The young man responded with a, “Yes, sir” to a question and the adult said, “Just ‘yes’ is enough.” The teenager answered, “Yes, sir.” That young man had apparently been raised in a home that taught him to respect others especially those older than himself.
The adult by answering the way he did was inadvertently teaching disrespect. Was that intentional? Probably not!
A large part of the problems in our world is a lack of mutual respect. It seems a state of peaceful co-existence for humanity regardless of skin, national origin or ethnicity is over forever unless we learn to respect one another.
Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” While this verse goes beyond what would be considered to be human nature, it is possible to acquire and sustain this level of thought.
Many in today’s world have been conditioned to have the “It’s all about me” attitude. This is an arrogant and selfish way of thinking. “I” am not the only person on the planet.
Disrespect is not realized by the offenders in many cases. Such an action as driving in the left lane on an interstate highway is disrespectful. Walking on a busy sidewalk looking down at one’s cell phone is disrespectful. These loudly scream “It all about me and I do not care about you.”
“Show respect to people who don’t even deserve it; not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours.” Dace Willis
Respect is defined as, “A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. Due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others” is included in the meaning.
Philippians 3:2-5 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
It is probably expedient for most of us to keep up with the political environment in our country. It is however, depressing to observe the disrespect our leaders, news people, commentators and even bystanders are treating each other. The statements and attitudes of disrespect are appalling and disheartening.
We treat each other horribly. Often we see programs in schools to counter bullying while in reality, we see bullying by adults as rampant as by children. Where did the children learn to be bullies?
Obviously the adults taught them! The late night comedians, the sit-coms and documentaries show us a level of disrespect we’d rather not see in our society. To use the word “civil” mostly does not apply in this day-and-age.
The arrest, trial and resulting crucifixion of our Jesus is regarded by many of us as being the ultimate in disrespect. While in America we cling to the right of freedom of religion, it is difficult for us to fathom the disrespect shown to Jesus by the people of Israel, the Roman governor Pilate and the Sanhedrin.
To be over-zealous in some cases may be a positive trait. In the case of Jesus’ death the dedication of the Jews to their way of believing and not willing to listen to reason regarding His teaching of forgiveness of sin by grace and mercy is beyond comprehension.
While Christians today highly treasure the teachings of Jesus, the Jewish hierarchy of the first century did not. They had lived for over 1500 years by the Laws of Moses. Those Mosaic laws dictated their entire way of worship and obedience to the law. Changing that was sacrilege and their disrespect resulted in hatred and a desire to kill Jesus.
Thomas Paine said “You can’t reason with the unreasonable.” This is actually a shortened version of “To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.”
To disagree is natural but to be argumentative and not listening to reason is foolish. At times we all have to admit, we do not know everything. The disrespect shown by many when disagreed with is not necessary and speaks volumes about a person.
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
This may be the most difficult of Jesus’ admonitions for us to accomplish. We all know people that are simply not lovable. A friend once told me, “I love you brother but it’s just because Jesus said I have to.” I knew he was joking (I hope), but his statement certainly made a point.
When our children see us interrupting others in conversation or not giving attention to people talking is setting an example we really do not want to convey. To regard the commands of Jesus is significant and important. We must strive to accomplish them.
Every day observations show us unequivocally, disrespect is rampant in our world. The only solution is to address this as a problem and counter it by displaying respectful attitudes.
I really appreciate younger people addressing me as “Sir.” Two (much younger) neighbors always address me as “Sir” or “Mr. Van.” That not only tells me a lot about them but also about the parents that raised them.
Too many parents in today’s world are not finding the time to discipline their offspring and the results are alarming. If we do not teach our children to be respectful, no one else will.
Children that are argumentative with their parents will be that way in life. Parents are not showing love for their children by allowing them to argue. That attitude certainly will not work for them with the guards on their cell block.
Leviticus 19:32 “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God.”
Van Yandell is a retired industrial arts teacher, an ordained gospel evangelist and former commissioned missionary.
