Establishing Foundations: Respect

One of the greatest lacks today in the church is a lack of respect towards leaders. People desire to be used in positions of authority, yet have not placed themselves under the authority of their leaders. People want to be spiritual fathers and mothers, yet have never been true sons or daughters. Pastors can easily tell who respects them and who doesn't by the response and actions of people. Some think they can fool their leaders, when in reality these already know.

A lack of respect is detrimental more to the one showing disrespect than the one on the receiving end. Lack of respect is a reflection or lack of trusting God. It puts oneself into a place of being unable to receive, or having to analyze everything that is said. Respect brings added authority and liberty.

What are signs of having no respect? Here are a few: divisiveness, poor work ethic, anti-authoritative attitude, spiritual pride, immature character, being un-teachable, not serving the vision, not being faithful. What are signs of respect? Unity, good work ethic, submitted, having humility, seasoned character, Seasoned gift, teachable, serving the vision, faithful. Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Respect is actually showing honor to those God has appointed over you. They have to give an account for their actions. It is amazing that we treat our spiritual authorities that are looking after our souls with fewer honors than our employer who only gives us our paycheck. We would never think of treating them the way we treat our spiritual leaders. Nor would we think of treating Jesus that way, yet they are His representatives here on the earth.

We think because they are in a leadership role, we have a right somehow to "dump" on them. We can always manage somehow to justify our actions, but don't show grace to our leaders when they correct us. Matthew 10:40-41 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. Many today are not living in blessing because they have not properly received God's servants. Receive and respect those God has placed so YOU can be blessed!