Respect and Be Respected
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:1–2
“Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.”
Respect and Be Respected
Father God we thank you because with you we know we can stand; we know no matter what may come our way, our lives are in your hands. We thank you for you are the Master of the ocean, sky, and sea. Glory be to your holy name. Father God Almighty, we pray that by your grace you will give us a revelation and the knowledge of how to live in holiness and righteousness before you Lord. Give us the grace to live the Christian life and to enjoy it, not simply to endure it, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
God has an interest in how we conduct ourselves as Christians, particularly in a world that is out of order; we are meant to shine as light in the world. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The Bible also says we should count those who are our masters worthy of all honour that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed, 1 Timothy 6:1.
In your work environment, if your leadership sees you as disrespectful and undisciplined, you are using your spirituality as a cloak to cover irresponsibility and laziness. You are blaspheming the doctrine of God. You are not only harming your masters; you are harming the Kingdom. God says that we are to be diligent because, as Christians, we have the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This anointing makes each of us an extraordinary person, so our performance should be extraordinary. Your work should not be at the same level as the work of the one who does not have the Holy Spirit.
God says if you have a believing master do not despise him, 1 Timothy 6:2. There is a level of familiarity that Christians mete out to one another because they are believers. Often they do not respect the leader because they interact more casually with them. Instead, God says, not in spite of but because you are brethren should you respect them even more. Many of us as find ourselves respecting unbelieving masters more than we respect believing masters. As is often said, familiarity breeds contempt. These things ought not to be so. When you have a boss or leader who is born again, count it a blessing. Do not abuse or demean the person God has placed over you to groom you. No condition is permanent and one day you will be master over others, so it is good to sow good seeds. God instructs us to pray for and respect all leaders, even the unbelieving ones. If we respect them and do beyond what is required, we manifest excellence and gain their respect. Now it will be easier for them to hear our sermon because our lifestyle and attitude have preached long before we open our mouth.
You may have heard the expression, “your actions are speaking so loudly, I cannot hear what you are saying.” Sometimes it is the Christians who cause trouble in the office. Co-workers may dread it when we come into the office because we have an unbearable attitude. They see us carrying a Bible and think if that is what carrying a Bible is all about they do not want to carry it. Understand that as a Christian you are a billboard, an advertisement for Jesus regardless of your position. Whether you are an entry-level worker or on the top rung, you need to manifest reverence, respect, and excellence, because that is what is going to bring your promotion and bring glory to the Kingdom.
Many of us are praying for promotion but we have not learned how to respect, pray for, or show reverence to the leaders God has put over us. We are demonstrating to God that we are not ready for leadership or promotion. The day you begin to respect your elders, respect the office, and manifest excellence, God will touch the heart of management to recognize that you are the person who has been groomed and is ready for a promotion. Leaders will recognize that you are paying your dues; that you are diligent, respectful, and orderly; and that you are never tardy or dishonest. God’s desire is that you excel.
Others need to see that you respect them and that you respect God, His workings in you, and His desires for you.
I believe a word to the wise is in order. God is calling us to pray for and respect our leaders, and he does not do things just for the sake of doing them. If He is calling you to respect others, if you obey Him and offer respect, those whom you respect will respect and promote you.
There is a breakthrough around the corner for someone and what the enemy has been using to hinder it is disrespect.
Bypass that disrespect today and watch God upgrade you. May God cause you to respect and honour others so that you will be respected and honoured in Jesus’ name.
Prayer Points:
Father God, may you give us the grace not to delay our promotions, not to delay our deliverance from bondage. Give us the grace to respect and honour all who you have placed in authority over us, whether in a spiritual or secular environment. Even when we have believing supervisors or bosses, help us not to take them for granted. In your mercy, give us the grace to respect them and to embrace them because they are partakers of the benefit of the Kingdom. Give us the grace of respect so that we will be respected in Jesus’ name, Amen.
