“Touch everyone in your life with the hand of respect.”
Growing up, you probably have heard people saying that you should respect your elders. Although this statement is true, everyone should be treated with respect, no matter what their age. Babies and animals should receive as much respect as your elders. Your peers should receive your respect as well.
Usually, true respect is mutually earned. Often times, people that are stern are respected out of fear. This is not true respect. Fear should not be associated with respect.
I once knew a very successful business man. He was wealthy and had many employees over the years. The employees in his office building were all very scared of him. He believed that they were afraid of him because they respected him.
He had trained his employees to be afraid of him because he believed they would be more productive and get lots of work done. This man was actually a very kind person underneath all of this stern behavior. Although his employees worked hard, they did not truly respect him. They endured this stern environment because they needed to keep their jobs.
If you or someone you know is in a similar situation or environment, I invite you to ask yourself a few questions. Is there someone in your life that you “fake- respect” only out of fear? Are there people in your life that you feel should respect you but do not?
When you think about the meaning of “respect,” consider your parents, children, animals and friends first.
What changes will you make in your life?
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in Love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Evelyn Minton and her daughter, Dr. Billie J. Minton are the authors of the Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's series. These books may be found at the author's website BlueRidgeMoments.com and Amazon.com/Author/drbillieminton.
