Respect part 4
The biggest problem I have when people argue about "issues" is that there are usually PEOPLE behind those issues. More accurately, hurting people. And when we don't take people into account, then we've missed THE issue. Because--I've said it before and I'll say it again--God and people are the two (most) important things in this universe. Loving God and loving people. Loving God BY loving people. That's why I stay out of most political debates. Because in my heart I can usually see both sides of the issue, and I feel for all of the PEOPLE involved. I think that's simply giving PEOPLE the respect they deserve. I don't have to agree with anybody either. I can still love them. I don't have to try to convince anybody of anything. And if I DO try to convince someone that I'm right and they're wrong... well... once again I've missed the point. It's not about making yourself look bigger by making someone else look smaller. Jesus addressed this heart issue in Luke 18:11-14, "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." The Pharisee wasn't giving respect to anybody... except himself. But here's the thing about the truth: You don't have to convince people of it. If you go around shouting from the rooftops that you're the greatest... you're probably not. Because if you really were the greatest, other people would see it, and recognize it. They would say it for you. The truth speaks for itself. That's why we are innocent until proven guilty. You don't have to prove that you didn't do anything wrong. Especially when you're doing what's right. And I think it's interesting that the publican smote himself on the breast. Because, like I said, it's a heart issue. When the Apostle John leaned on Jesus' breast he heard the heartbeat of God. You can't give what you don't have. So if you don't feel respected, it's impossible to respect others. If you feel hurt, you will hurt others. But if you feel loved... you will love others. You can't give what you don't have. But you WILL give what you do have. If it's in there--in your heart--it comes out. Naturally. So (and I think I'm going to end this Rant on this thought tomorrow) you have to respect yourself. Not in the, "there's nothing wrong with me... look how much better I am than so and so," way that the Pharisee did. But just in the way that, "I'm a human being. I'm worthy of respect. I mess up sometimes, but I learn from my mistakes. Just like you." I've always said being humble isn't thinking less of yourself, it's simply thinking of yourself less. We're all the same. We're all just people. And we're all in this together. So instead of climbing over people, we ought to be reaching down to help people up. Galatians 6:2 says it like this, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." Don't worry about taking care of yourself. You're covered. Respect others enough to take care of them!