Unfortunately, this kind of disrespect goes on every day. It goes on at the workplace, home, schools, public places & even at churches. CHURCHES?! Yes, in churches - not all churches, but it does happen in God's house. I just seems that society as a whole has lost respect for one another.
"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord"
Leviticus 19:18 (NIV)
Our love & respect for God should make us all want to follow His commands. We should automatically share an encouraging word, rather than spitting out a rude comment. And a lot of times, those who spit out those rude comments have little respect for themselves. So, they use rude comments, among other things, to make themselves look better. Unfortunately, they don't realize that it has the opposite effect.
Think about it. Thinkabout what this world would be like if we would just obey God's command. ALL spouses would respect each other. ALL children would honor their parents. There would be so much more learning in schools. Laws would be obeyed. No co-worker would be out to discredit anyone. Laws would be obeyed. And in churches, no one's personal agenda would even be thought of...only GOD'S plan! That would be a different world - a WONDERFUL world! Common courtesy would be the norm, instead of seeming like the exception. Can you imagine the difference in your next trip to Walmart!!! We would all know our neighbors & be willing to lend a helping hand to a stranger. How many videos have we seen of people being bystanders - who would rather watch something happen as if it's entertainment, then lend a hand?! Our language would even change. Instead of talking about fears & anxieties & yes - even stress - those feelings would be replaced with amazing peace & goodwill, by being & receiving so many blessings.
This type of world may seem like a fantasy. But we can ALL work toward making it a reality. One step at time. Each & every one of us has that power! The power to CHOOSE to follow God's command - to respect - as HE intended us too.
Now, i mentioned your next trip to Walmart. I have to confess that i used to DREAD going there! People were rude & cranky. But one day, i realized that it was ME that was becoming cranky & rude. I feel that i was that way, because i refused to be pushed around - so to speak. So i asked God to take control of me & my shopping trip. I asked HIM to let HIS light shine through me to everyone i met. What a different Walmart trip THAT was!!! And after i got home, i had an entirely different attitude. You can have that too & not just at Walmart, but every day, every where! Like they say, it's the little things that count. Share a smile with everyone whose eye meet yours. Hold the door for a stranger. Listen - really listen - when someone is talking to you. But first & foremost, ask God to help you obey His command.
"The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "
Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
