RESPECT
Robb Hadley
Fayetteville, AR
6/3/98
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
“All I’m asking, is for a little respect.” Those words are from a chart-topping song by Aretha Franklin recorded in 1967, but they are echoed daily by millions of American teenagers. “I want to be treated like an adult.” “Why do Mom and Dad act like I’m a little kid?”
Paul knew the young preacher Timothy would need to garner respect in order to be effective in his work. Paul told him, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” (1 Timothy 3.12.)
Do you want your parents, teachers and peers to respect you? If so, realize that respect cannot come at your request or even your demand. Respect can only be earned. Notice Paul’s points of emphasis:
1. Speech. We talk about what interests us. Jesus said, “The mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.” (Matthew 12.34.) What do you talk about? Others consider what you say in determining their respect for you.
2. Conduct. Paul used the same Greek word here and in Galatians 1.13 where it is translated “manner of life.” What do you live for? What do people think of when they think of you? Is your manner of life worthy of respect?
3. Love. Our love can only be seen through what it causes us to do. Do you love people? If you really do, you will do good to them and for them. Compare what you call “love” with Paul’s beautiful description in 1 Corinthians 13.4-8. Is it worthy of respect?
4. Faith. Here is another attribute which can only be known and seen through what it causes us to do. (James 2.18.) Does your faith in God and His Son have an impact on what you do? Are you involved in His work? Are you faithfully gathering with His people? Is your faith worthy of respect?
5. Purity. The Greek word used here by Paul refers to general morality. People haven’t changed much since the First Century. Then, as now, there was a tendency of the young to sow wild oats. The Prodigal Son of Luke 15 reaped his crop of wild oats in the destitution of a far-country hog pen. Is your morality—your purity—worthy of respect?
Young people, I am sure you have discovered that your age puts two strikes against you so far as respect is concerned. It is natural for adults—and even other teenagers—to not take you very seriously at times. If you want respect as a Christian teen, therefore, you must live in a manner worthy of respect. “Show yourself an example of those who believe.” Try it. I promise you will be amazed at the results!
—ROBB HADLEY
Fayetteville, Ark.
