“Earning Respect”

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. "Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' (Deuteronomy 4:5-6)
 
Commanding the respect of the others means living the right kind of life.  This seems to be the gist of what God is saying to Israel.  Though they had many enemies, still the nations would observe the well-ordered lives of those who obeyed God and say, “this is surely a wise people!
 
 Who truly gains the respect of others?  I did not ask, “who gets ahead”, but who truly gains the respect of others – even their enemies?  The answer is simple: those who live by the wisdom of God.  Consider a few examples.
 
Those who serve as elders are to be known for their good behavior.  (I Timothy 3:2).  The Greek word kosmos means to live a dignified and well-ordered life.  Furthermore, they were to be “blameless” or those of whom no charge could be sustained.  Surely, they had enemies, but still, they had their respect.  
 
Wives married to unbelievers can win their husbands by their “chaste conduct accompanied by fear.”  I’ve known godly women to live righteously before their husbands for many years.  Finally, their example had an impact on their husbands and they obeyed the gospel.
 
Finally, Peter applies the same principle to all Christians.  He says,  “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. “ (1 Peter 3:15-16)  Hopefully, your chaste conduct will cause the enemy to glorify God in the day of visitation.
 
So, what kind of life are you living?  Do they witness one who honors God with honesty, undefiled language, and pure conduct?  Jesus says,  "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16 )  You can make a difference!  
 
By George Slover

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