RESPECTING ONE ANOTHER

When I first started to  read the Bible in my teen years, I began to see the truth that every man, woman and child is created in the image of God.  Created in His image is reason enough to grant other a certain level of respect too.  In fact, as a mother, I try to instill this principle in my children by not tolerating name calling, hitting each other, or taking advantage of someone else's property.  My family is not perfect. For us, it's generally three steps forward, two back kind of thing. 

Because I have this view of others, I tend to think that it should be reciprocated back to me, not elaborately, just simply, in a kindly fashion.  But as I sat with this thought in mind, I began to consider our precious Savior (Philippians 2:8-11).  Who SHOULD be respected, loved or admired more than He?  My life cannot even compare to the sacrifice He made for all of mankind!  Let alone, think that I DESERVE any kind of appreciation.  Oh, don't get me wrong.  I enjoy when others show thanks for my deeds of kindness or when I get a hug for just being 'Mom', but I cannot allow myself to become tift over not getting those PERKS.  I need to do right, regardless of the pending level of appreciation returned.

The example of Jesus, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.(Romans 5:8)...should be my standard (Romans 8:29).  He gave of Himself with no real proof that others would give reverence, love, or appreciation in return.  I'm not advocating that we be 'doormats' for others to wipe their feet on, for that is not respecting what God made our own selves to be!  The one doing the 'wiping of the feet' shows that he doesn't understand that even he was created for more, more than the disrespect shown to his brother by such actions.  

I believe that if God's love/love for God was the motivation for our actions, both on the giving and receiving end of respect for one another, the less disappointment we would experience (Hebrews 11:6). Our reverence, love, gratitude, and appreciation for what Jesus did for us,  cannot help but overflow in altruistic ways toward others.  But FEAR of un-reciprocated respect sometimes is, but should not be, the reason for not allowing our lives to yield that fruit of the Spirit that we possess in Christ (Galatians 5:22-26).  Could fear be a good enough reason to shrink back from His plans for each of our lives?  I dare say that I've failed miserably in that regard. For "perfect love (for the Savior) casts out fear (of everything else) (1 John 4:18)--my interpretation.  

God is the ultimate Judge in all things (Joel 3:12). His word says to 'love one another as I have loved you' (John 15:12).  Each one of us will make application of His commandments in the unfolding of our everyday circumstances.  He sees the heart of the giver, and the receiver (1 John 3:20).  To build our lives on the wood, hay or stubble foundation of expectation is, well, worthless. But the foundation of 'gold, silver and precious stones' of Jesus example is eternal.  The crucible will be used for the defining Day of reckoning (1 Corinthians 3:11-13). 

I WANT to be found faithful!  Lord, help me in my weakness.