Matters of Faith: Respect

By Reverend J. Loren Russell

Proverbs 22:1 (NIRV)
“You should want a good name more than you want great riches.
To be highly respected is better than having silver or gold.”

The world recently celebrated the life and legacy of Aretha Franklin. Of all the songs that she recorded and topped the best seller’s list, the one song that she is most remembered for is Respect — written by Otis Redding, is one of the best-known songs in the world.

To respect someone is to hold them in high esteem, morally or personally; you value who they are and admire them for what they do. People respect individuals who have developed and valued a good name more than their desire for silver or gold. We may look at those who have accumulated riches with a bit of envy, but we can’t help but to respect and admire those whose reputation is one of integrity and commitment.

Paul writes about a respected man named Timothy who had distinguished himself as a man of integrity and faith. Acts 16:1-3 tells the story of Paul’s first encounter with Timothy. It says, “Paul came to Derbe. Then he went on to Lystra. A believer named Timothy lived there. His mother was Jewish and a believer. His father was a Greek. 2 The believers at Lystra and Iconium said good things about Timothy. 3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey.” The impressive thing about Timothy was that the believers in Lystra and Iconium said good things about him. A good name is not developed by what you say about yourself, but by what others say about you. Paul wrote Timothy a letter that read in part, “I remember your honest and true faith. It was alive first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice. And I am certain that it is now alive in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5). Timothy was not only a man who deserved Paul’s respect, but he came from a well respected family.

A good way to begin to establish and maintain respect from others is by letting your Yes! mean Yes! and your No! mean No! (Matthew 5:37). Jesus shared this great truth so that we would know that we can develop a good name for ourselves through the integrity of the words that come out of our mouths.

We really should mean what we say and say what we mean. That is how one garners respect, admiration, esteem, honor, and appreciation, which are all a part of a good name. Remember, it is not what you say about yourself, but what others say about you that earns you RESPECT.

Be Blessed +++

Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial &. Strategic Consulting, and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio, Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen by phone” at 626-226-1448. Be sure to Friend “Matters of Faith” on Facebook and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The Book at Book Blues.

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