Respect One Another

In Exodus 21 we see God teaching His people to care for one another. In Exodus 22, the theme would seem to be "Respect One Another."

We are living in a time when incivility is rampant. Just look at the comments section on any youtube video or blog post about which some may disagree. No matter what side of the partisan divide you are a part of, even when you see the vitriol from those who share your leanings makes you want to give up your own values!

We see disrespect for our governmental leaders and those in authority. This is not to be the attitude of the Christian! People are naturally drawn to disrespecting one another. It's part of the curse of sin. When "I" am most important, you will always be something less valuable in my eyes.

Yet God sets down commands that still have bearing in the Kingdom here in Exodus. Most notably:
Exodus 22:28 (ESV) “You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.


Respect for others begins with respect for God and then those in authority. Here lies the underpinnings for the two great commandments: Loving God and loving your neighbor are to be united in harmony within our hearts. God is valuable and so are those who are made in His image.

Here God considers rulers to be of special designation. Why? Because rulers are in place by God. Romans 13 will confirm this. Now think of the great heroes of the faith. Were they men who railed against or respected their authority figures? Joseph modeled this behavior before Pharaoh, Daniel will show the same before Nebuchadnezzar. Nehemiah and Esther will as well. When we show respect to those in authority, God brings a blessing. When we rage against those in authority we join with those commenters on the blogosphere and look silly.

Proverbs 15:2 (ESV) The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

Christian, you are called to a higher level of life. You are called to respect authority because they have the power to bless or harm you. Why make the lives of those who rule especially hard? You only hurt yourself. Of course we understand the exceptions to the rule. When the rulers asks us to disobey God we disobey their rules (Acts 4:19). But a christian must seek to live at peace with all men (Romans 12:18).

In Acts 23, Paul will quote from this Old Testament law as he stands trial before the high priest in Jerusalem. In amazing strength of character, he honors a man in charge who has just had him slapped in the face! Paul finds out he is the high priest and says the following:
Acts 23:5 (ESV) And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ”

Later in his trial those in charge fear for Paul's safety during a riot and usher him away. What a turn of events for him simply because he showed honor and respect to others instead of open hostility. 

Christian, let the world be hostile. You be respectful. It may not be one of the more "glamorous" acts of obedience but God will honor it because He always honors His word. He is a God of authority who is over all authority. When He sees that you can be trusted with the authority you've been placed over, He just may entrust you with authority of your own. It's not that God doesn't know how you'll respond ahead of time. Rather, it is for you that the test comes. Pass it. Watch God bless it.


1 Timothy 2:1–4 (ESV) First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.