RESPECT

Everybody wants respect.  The problem is not everybody is willing to give respect.  Many times the problem is that people don't even respect themselves.  It is a problem and something we need to deal with as humans.

God wants us first and foremost to respect Him.  If we respect God,then everything else will fall into place  Once we decide to respect God and honor His commands then we need to respect ourselves.  This is where a lot of people get hung up. 

Many people do not respect themselves enough to say no to themselves.  This is why we have unfaithfulness, and other trust issues.  If you do not respect yourself you will have no self control.  Self discipline is what keeps you in check with yourself.  If you respect yourself then you will say no to something that you know is wrong.  After we learn to respect ourselves then we need to respect others.

I'm sure you have heard the Aretha Franklin song.  If we show others respect, they will show us respect in return.  We learn from each other.  It's like the golden rule, do unto others as you would have done unto you.  Parents struggle with this.  They say, well little Johnny does not show me respect so I won't respect him.  Little Johnny says Dad does not respect me so I won't show him respect.  It has to start somewhere.  Don't you agree, that if we showed respect to those around us, this would be a different place?

Start today by asking God to show you how to respect Him, yourself and others.  Respect is a path that begins in your heart.  It is not an easy choice but it is something you have to choose.  Make the choice that will change your heart and the hearts of those around you.  Respect God, yourself and others.