Respect for Those in Authority

[Annette]

On 5/10/2017 at 2:10 PM, Wolf Bridges said:

I agree with your take on this. Just because someone is in a position of authority doesn't mean they naturally deserve respect because of that position. There are people in authority or who strive for that role, that are tyrants once they arrive there. In that case I think it wise to promote the truism that respect is earned. Because not everyone is deserved of respect. 

 I've known people who will say in church that we are all children of God and are created in his image. And as such we should respect one another. And then those same people who said that on Sunday will speak the most reprehensible things about people they are in conflict with. Or that they don't respect. That's part of that other old truism , proof is in the pudding. It is so easy to speak as if we have angels working our mouth. But when the devil shows up the angels we realize were never really there. It was all illusion someone wanted to paint to make themselves look like they were the good. When they were not so. Thinking that deserves respect insults what it means to respect someone who deserves it. 

Just like love. I don't love everybody. I don't love the doctor that harmed my dad in the hospital. I don't love the nurse that abused him there. I don't respect them. If I respected them, I'd be respecting that which is in them that let them harm a man who was mentally incapacitated due to liver disease. 

I think the sad thing among our community is very often we say what we think we're suppose to sound like as Christians. When it comes to being real and something else shows itself maybe we then will see that the only one we're fooling putting on airs, masks that aren't genuine, is ourselves. Because God see's through it all. 

We're Christian. That doesn't mean we're perfect. It just means we're forgiven and we're following that precious holy voice that asks us to be better as we learn to do that from a genuine place in the heart of hearts. 

Hi Wolf, 

I keep coming back to the topic of the heart and reading your post here, I am reminded of it once more. We have to get to a point, where we say what we say because it comes from our heart, and not just because it is the right thing to say.

How often do we ask someone how they are doing, but know that we do not really have time to hear how they are doing.

I hope you have a great day. Blessings  

[Annette]

On 5/10/2017 at 3:56 PM, Neighbor said:

Do you mind sharing the app title? I have not heard of it. Sounds like a great tool.

Hi Neighbor, sorry that it has taken so long for me to get back to you. As far as I know the app is called Holy Bible or you can just go to www.bible.com and sign in that way. Blessings  

[Neighbor]

thanks been out in the boonies myself

[Marilyn C]

On ‎10‎/‎05‎/‎2017 at 0:52 PM, Annette said:

As I read the story about the messenger coming to David, with news of Saul's death, his response amazes me. It is no secret that Saul had made David's life miserable. And yet even when David had a chance to kill Saul, he did not because of the position Saul had. Its not every day that the man you are hiding from, seeks refuge in the same cave as you?

In fact, David was so upset by the news and what happened, that he had the man who killed Saul killed!  This, regardless of the fact that Saul had asked for it to be done. 

Bringing this back to life today, I can't help but think how different life would be if more people held people in esteem, not because of who they are but because of the position that they hold.

Do you think that the fact that he learned of Jonathan's death, this added to his anger?

Hi Annette,

A very relevant topic for today, ( and in the past). As regards, holding others in the Body in esteem, I would say it has to do with recognising the gift of God upon that person and not because they went to a Bible College and got a degree etc.

As to esteeming those in positions in the world, I would say that it is God who has made positions of authority for society to function. Obviously not many leaders have the moral character that is needed for that position. And that is specifically what God is going to judge soon, - the Gentile`s government.

regards, Marilyn. 

[Guest]

On 5/10/2017 at 9:12 AM, da_man1974 said:

You and me both.  

Me too. I respected his office but not the things he did that go against the word of God.

[Annette]

4 hours ago, Neighbor said:

thanks been out in the boonies myself

I haven't heard that expression in a while. Hope you had a good break Blessings. 

[Annette]

1 hour ago, Marilyn C said:

Hi Annette,

A very relevant topic for today, ( and in the past). As regards, holding others in the Body in esteem, I would say it has to do with recognising the gift of God upon that person and not because they went to a Bible College and got a degree etc.

As to esteeming those in positions in the world, I would say that it is God who has made positions of authority for society to function. Obviously not many leaders have the moral character that is needed for that position. And that is specifically what God is going to judge soon, - the Gentile`s government.

regards, Marilyn. 

Thanks Marilyn for taking the time to add some thoughtful insight to this thread. It is great having an opportunity to have a situation like this forum provides. I want to come back later and read it again. Blessings

[Annette]

49 minutes ago, Blueyedjewel said:

Me too. I respected his office but not the things he did that go against the word of God.

Hey BlueyedJewel, thanks for sharing from your experience too. Blessings. 

[Sower]

RESPECT:    a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

I'm thinking I don't have to respect anyone as defined above, or as I believe God tells me in His word.  If they hold authority over me, only then do I have to respect their authority. Even the arm chair generals.  Yes, I do have to love them, in Christ, and pray for them. We are not required to admire them, or even like them. Just to love em.........

“What is rank if not protection from the consequences which fall upon common men?”

[Neighbor]

Thanks,

I learned that here the roads to nowhere don't go quite that far.

Why yesterday I found five fingers each marked with double yellow center lines that turned into Jeep trails that dead ended. Guess I could call it NC on a tankfull.

We went to a B and B so remote that we could not find it the second day and had to give up on staying there.

I have now driven so many fire breaks in the national forests that I am going to put in for a Ranger uniform. Good thing I am in a rental car I'd sure hate to own what is left of the under carriage of this rig.

But it has been great fun to date.  We like it so much that we have put in an offer on a place in the woods. 

Edited June 17, 2017 by Neighbor
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