Why I am tired of the news and social media.
If you’re old enough to remember Rodney Dangerfield, you’ll recall his famous line, “I don’t get no respect.” Rodney used the line as comic relief because in those days respect was for the most part an honourable characteristic to have in our culture.
Today, as I watch the news, read my Facebook account, talk to teachers and observe people’s behaviors, it leaves me wondering what happened to respect. Who stole it and how will we ever regain it?
When professors of higher education encourage and participate in disrespectful acts of violence and rioting; when government leaders display scenes of verbal and emotional abuse and accusations towards people of differing opinions; when a young lady is pepper sprayed because she voted for a certain party… well we have lost respect in our culture to say the least.
It’s no wonder that this attitude has drifted into our public schools, into our homes and even into the church. When grown men and women act with disregard towards others, we model to the next generation to do the same, and that’s what’s happening.
How do we stop bullying in our children and youth when adults model bullying and think its appropriate?
God has something to say about respecting others no matter if we agree with them or not. Respect goes beyond political party lines, generational gaps, race, gender or whatever line you may want to draw.
For example, Jesus says to us in John 13:34 & 35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
In your home, why not take a few moments and discuss this love Jesus calls us to looks like especially in the area of respect for others around us.
Romans 13:1-7 reminds us that we are to submit to governing authorities because they have been established by God. You may not agree on everything they stand for, but the call from God is to respect them as they are appointed by Him.
What would it look like to have that kind of conversation in your home especially if you have children living with you?
Finally, Hebrews 13:17 calls us to obey leadership in the church because again leadership is established by God.
Do we see disrespect in us, in our children, in our culture? I think it’s time we all take a good look at what we are modeling to our children whether that’s out in our communities or church.
As for me, it means less news, less social media, it means checking my attitude so that I am doing my best to model to the next generation a culture of respect and honour to authority and leadership. Let’s shape our children towards the things within God’s Word. It starts with respect for God, for others and for ourselves.