Respect - A Lost Virtue?

    A mixed feeling arises frequently when looking at our world. The technological progress of the last 150 years is breathtaking.   Are we still aware the Internet was made available for everyone only since April 30, 1993? Previously, it was only possible to write emails. A common mobile phone does more than a mainframe since the time of the moon landing. The world seems to turn ever more rapidly through a sustained technical explosion. You get the feeling that everything is faster, better, higher and often much more spectacular.

    And what about the people? - Do the people change also? Certainly! There has been, in the course of recent decades, a profound change in the lives of people altogether. And this still take place. Today, there is no difficulty with a computer-mouse click to send data around the world, to talk with people from a different part of the world, and to see them on the screen at the same time (Ex: Skype). And all of these communicative possibilities are good, if they are not abused.  But with a glance in the recent past we notice also quite a few negative developments.  So many values and principles of life remain in danger on the human track. What was kept earlier of high moral value, loses its importance in certain situations.

    I still remember my childhood - It was completely natural in the bus or tram to stand up when approached by an elderly passenger when there was no free space otherwise. My parents put great value in education on mutual respect for the other person, whether colleagues, neighbors, customers…. but it is, unfortunately, not self-evident as it once was.

    And how do we as Christians do? - Is our life in community with others one of respect?   "In humility one considers the other higher than himself" (Philippians 2:3). These words are timeless and will never expire.  It doesn't matter how fast the world may revolve.  On the other hand, I bring to your attention those who don’t respect our brothers and my sisters.  And some may respond with a loud inner 'yes!’ that respect is missing.  Jesus Himself once said that people who obey Him, recognize one another as His followers, and that they meet each other in love.  Love and respect go together always.

    We take a look into our daily life - What about my friends, my family, my relatives, what do they see when they look at me?   Do they see the hand of God in my life?  Do they feel my honest condolences, my respect and my sincere interest towards them?

    Here in Austria, many foreign men from southern Europe came to our country in the 1950s and 1960s. They were recruited as guests of companies, to be here to carry out activities, which none of us wanted to do anymore. Thousands of migrant workers not only came, but often also remained. Over the years, they moved their families here, and in turn, grew their own families. Many foreigners came to us along the way. This trend intensified as years later the borders opened in Europe, especially after the "iron curtain" fell.

    For a long time, people from all over the world also sought refuge in our country - There may undeniably be some who have no credible political or religious reason to leave their homeland. How do we meet the former migrant workers, the new migrants and the other refugees?  Shouldn’t they receive the same respect as our German fellows show us?

    God is very unique. For example, in the Old Testament we find an important hint: "and if a stranger comes where you live in your country, you shall not oppress him.  He should stay with you like a native among you, and you shall love him even as yourself" (Leviticus 19:33-34a). Here then is how to live with those from other countries who now live in our country with us.  It is not mercy, nor an act of grace, but it is the Word of God that we must obey.  Nothing more and nothing less!   It does not matter what skin color, or what origin, or what religion and what culture someone belongs to.

    When we look to the New Testament and to Jesus, we can learn perfect respect. We see the woman at Jacob's well (John 4) who at the time had very few rights. Her case was still even worse; for she had had sexual contact with various men, and was therefore considered by her neighbors to be violated and was despised.  Therefore she comes also in the heat of the day alone to the fountain, to draw water. And what did Jesus do?  He broke through the social barrier, addresses her and her situation and communicates with her. Why does He do that?   Because He looks at her with respect, with eyes of divine love.  He knows that she, too, was created in the image of His Father in heaven as well as any other person.  He glossed over nothing, but pointed out her sin by name and although he is the Son of God, He speaks to the woman on a new level. There is a very honest respectful interest shared with her.

    We need to copy this example 100% and live it as Christians. We have the privilege to imitate Him, to do it just as He did.  This is not just religious advice.  No, these are clear examples and instructions from God’s Word.  Jesus is the example in life for each of us.  We must meet every person with love and respect. This is not a task just for pastors, elders, and deacons. This affects all of us.

    Every human being deserves respect, appreciation and sympathy. This starts not only when we are on the same wave-length, but it should start when first we meet. Jesus died on the cross for me, and I wanted to know everything about Him. He held out His hand to me first and I was privileged to follow Him.

    In the New Testament, we find in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13 an impressive, very clear and strong statement for our lives as Christians.  It is the song of love.  Without love, the Son of God would not have been a perfect man.  Without love, Jesus would not have bled and died for our debt.  Without love, even if He draws us forward, we are completely unable to live such a life.  Without love we are totally useless to Him in His eyes.  We do not produce this love ourselves.  We can receive this only through Him.  With this Agape love there develops a coexistence with one another.  Substitute in 1 Corinthians 13, each place where love is, and use the word respect.   Of course, love means much more.  But even so, love is not possible without respect.

    I pray that we will all have good experiences in living out these words. Perhaps, we can better see our fellow human beings with the eyes of love and deep respect, bringing us into accord with God’s way. Let us never forget this. May this be an encouragement to us all.
                                                                                      

 H. F. Ofner  ©CDMI