Even
the Bible says put some "respek" on people's name...
What
honor do people deserve? Let's state the minimum and wrestle up from that. In
the minimum, because EVERY person is made in the image of God, AND because
EVERY person is GOD'S creation, AND because EVERY person living is being
sustained God's very own choice and power, people deserve honor and respect.
Is
that not reason enough?
Every
person doesn't deserve a Grammy. Every person doesn't deserve a Pulitzer. Every
person doesn't deserve the Nobel Prize. Every person is not an MVP. Not every
student deserves an "A" in every course. Let's recognize that, too.
Some people excel in some areas and afforded extra honors for various things.
However,
that does not change the fact that every person bears the image of God and
deserves kindness and respect. That does not mean they will receive it, nor
will we each always be worthy of it, but that does not relinquish us from
offering it.
There
^^^^^^^ is the key: giving honor and respect to others is rarely about them
being worthy of it, but about us knowing God is worthy of our obedience. Giving
undeserving people respect is not about them knowing right; it's about the giver
knowing it's right.
"Pay
to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom
revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
... Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your
teaching show integrity, dignity, ... Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood.
Fear God. Honor the emperor." (Romans 13:7, Titus 2:7, 1 Peter 2:17 ESV)
So,
yes, indeed, WE get it...we who believe OUGHT to get it! We give honor (1)
because God said so and (2) because WE are the ones desiring to do right. We do
it for those reasons, not because someone has earned it through personal merit.
So,
yes, put some "respek" on it.
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