A Little Respect

Respect

A good friend from Southern Africa greeted me one Sunday, “Good morning Uncle Chris.” Nothing extraordinary in that except that we are in no way related. When I asked about this – others call me uncle for a different reason – he informed me that, where he comes from, an ‘older’ person is always referred to as “Uncle” or “Auntie” as a term of respect. I am saying nothing about my bruised ‘older’ ego! He went on to point out that a very well known TV channel owner, when broadcasting from his home state, always calls his guests Auntie or Uncle as a sign of respect. He pays his respects openly and with great affection towards the person he is introducing.

It’s a bit of an old fashioned word, respect. Isn’t it? Yet the Bible is full of references about us showing some respect for elders, leaders, parents, teachers, and anyone older than ourselves. Far too many people seem to demand respect these days and it is usually grudgingly given. Why is that? Surely it is because respect has to be earned. In fact, respect is a double barrelled thing because, many times, we have respect for the position but not for the person.

The Lord is showing me that there is a great deal of room in the church for a little respect. Respect for leaders, for the older generation, and for each other. As children, my generation was taught to show respect to ladies by standing when they entered the room; by offering a seat – preferably close to the fire in winter; and just generally because they are ladies and we were supposed to be gentlemen. The equality movement has done many great things for the ladies but at the cost of old fashioned good manners and respect. Opening the door for a lady or an older person, giving up your seat especially for older people, and so on.

But there is more to biblical respect than the outward signs we demonstrate.  How about respect and a certain amount of deference to old age or the wisdom of age? How about respect for leaders? In the African church, folk bow or curtsy to their leaders as a mark of respect. It is considered an honour to carry their Bible into the service for them. Imagine that in present day America or England?? One wise old African pastor once said to me, “Your people once brought the Gospel and its learning to my people. Now I consider it an honour to be able to bring it back to you.” Ouch !!

A little respect goes a long way towards our personal biblical holiness that Jesus urged us to seek. Can we all please show a little more respect to each other, but especially to our elders and leaders – of either sex.