“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10)

“I do so, out of respect.”  That was the apparent response of an older lady in our community who happened to be the mother of one of my friend’s high school classmates. Each time she would see him and especially in his place of business, she would greet him using the title Mister. He reminded her that he had gone to school with her daughter and that she should just call him by his first name. She said that she referred to him as “Mister” out of respect for his position. As this story was related to me, I could tell that my friend was humbled and honored by this act of deference, even though he did not feel he was deserving. Showing respect in almost any form these days is a lost art and practiced by far too few of us.

Recently San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat during the playing of the National Anthem at a pre-season game. The 28-year-old stated that he will continue these public displays out of support for African Americans and other minorities who have been treated unfairly.  The athlete’s actions are not unique. There is a long history of sports figures who have protested the anthem along with other ‘unpatriotic’ displays. When these protests occur, the opinions are polarizing with regard to the appropriateness and value of their actions. Very few, including the NFL, disagree that in America individuals have the right to express their discontent. However, many verbalize that a team event might not necessarily be the most suitable time for such a demonstration. They argue that when you have been blessed by a nation which provides you with the opportunity to make millions of dollars, acts like these are disrespectful, especially to those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. It does not come down to the question, “Can we do this?” But it is better provided by an answer to . . . “Should we?”

Jesus revealed that respect comes in the form of loving those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). He further explained: “And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that?” (Matthew 5:47). Love must endure, not only for those who do love us but especially for those who seem to be against us. The Apostle Paul spoke specifically about the Christian’s respect for those in power. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience” (Romans 13:1-2,5). Does this mean that we must always accept what our leaders propose and do?  Of course not. But in order to be an example for Christ, we must act in accordance with the direction found in His word.

Every year when we celebrate another anniversary of 9/11 – we are reminded just how vulnerable we are as a nation.  A naïve sports figure makes a statement like, “When there’s significant change and I feel like that flag represents what it’s supposed to represent, this country is representing people the way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.”  Within days of his speaking those words, a flag that was raised by three firemen over the rubble of Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan was returned to be placed in a museum there after being lost for many years. It serves to remind us that the privilege of living in the land of the free does not come without cost. Nor should it come without respect. As followers of Christ, we must lead in setting the example to show reverence for a nation that God established as well as the symbols for which it stands. Any other action should heed this warning: “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Stand tall. My friend, while you are able to do so.

REFLECTION: Have there been times when you have said, I’ll show respect when I see significant change?  How does remembering events such as those of Pearl Harbor and 9/11 help to put feelings and statements like these in perspective?  As a person who is on a Journey with Christ, what thought processes need to change in your life in order that you are more respectful in the public arena, thereby displaying a more effective witness for Him?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., SEPTEMBER 17, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.