A lady pulled up behind a car that was stopped at a stoplight. The light turned green, but the guy in the car in front of her didn’t move. He seemed to be preoccupied with something. She started laying on the horn, blasting at the guy in front of him for not moving. Then she started to roll down the window. She was yelling and cussing. Soon, she was flipping off the guy—giving him the finger. Suddenly, a police officer, who was watching the whole thing, appeared. It seemed to the woman that he came out of nowhere. There he was, standing at her window. She rolled down the window. The officer had his hand on his gun and said, “Alright, lady, out of the car and put your hands on the hood.” He searched her, arrested her, and took her to the police station. She went through fingerprinting, had her photo taken, and was put in a holding room for two hours. Finally, the officer appeared and apologized. He explained, “I pulled up behind you at the stoplight. Then the light turned green, and the guy in front of you didn’t move. While I was behind you, I noticed a bumper sticker on your car that said What Would Jesus Do? Then I saw another one on your back window that said Jesus is the Key. Then I saw the back license plate frame that said Follow Me to Sunday School.
“I arrested you because I was sure you had stolen the car!”
Life by Faith
The Bible says, “Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Revere God. Respect the government” (1 Peter 2:17, The Message). Some might call it “civility.” It’s a word related to the idea of “civilization” or the word “civilized.” These concepts are most often reserved for humans. Some people reflect the concept. Others do not. In our humanity, most of us have experienced times when we wandered beyond civilized behavior. The nightly newscasts often have several reflective examples.
“Civilized” people reflect respect. Until we don’t. The Bible is very honest about the human reality. It says, “All have sinned and fall short….” Of what? Perfection.
That’s why we need forgiveness. It’s why faith in Jesus is so powerful. We aren’t perfect—this side of Heaven. Yet, that faith, that 24/7 relationship with Jesus, makes a difference. It is a good thing. We have our heart in heaven, even when our feet are in the sewer. It’s the tension in which we live day by day. It’s also why we should be continually growing “in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:14).
Event or Process?
Some of those who claim Christian faith consider it an event—to their peril. The mantra becomes: “I was baptized in this church.” They might add: “…and I was ‘confirmed,’” or “I became a member of the church.” However, these people are like a 2-year-old child who never grows beyond that age. Faith is viewed as an event: birth, baptism, Christmas, Easter, funeral.
Yet, Scripture identifies a lifelong spiritual journey: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Faith is not an event—like a bumper sticker on a car. It’s a lifelong process of growth.
The elements of civility—being civilized—include love, respect, humility, honor, selflessness, servanthood, grace, kindness, goodness, and acceptance. How are these reflected in your life? How are they reflected in your world? How is civility connected with your life?
When you sow respect, you harvest harmony. When you invest in harmony, you experience community. When you build community, you enjoy progress. Progress is a sacred trust given by your Creator.
The Apostle Paul writes: “But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about. It only gets in the way” (Galatians 5:22-24, The Message).
Civil War
Respectful living has never been a simple, black-and-white issue. Of course, we all know that in the early years of the United States, many of the Anglos “owned” slaves. Civility won the war, but not the battle. And it’s not just about people of color. Civility—respect—is an issue we fight every day. If you steal or kill, you lose the war. If you exceed the speed limit, you lose the war. If you gossip about someone at church, you lose the war.
Respect is a 24/7 effort, no matter who you are—or think you are. You win some and lose some. We are not perfect. I’ve never met a perfect Christian, including the one I face in the mirror.
The only Christians you read about in the New Testament were under the rule of a foreign emperor. Rome taxed the people of Israel, many of whom were already poor. Politics brings out the best and worst in leaders. The people of Israel may have felt justified to revolt. Yet, the Apostle Peter wrote this to the Christians: “Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order” (1 Peter 2:14). That is uncommon respect!
Within every newscast, there lies potential for your personal civil war. It is a civility war. It challenges each of us at the highest level of respect. You can, and should, hate the sin you see in our world. Yet, Jesus calls us to love the sinner. Honestly, that is not easy!
Respect Shapes Behavior
There are many who jump on the bandwagon of behavior: “We’ve got to do something,” “Do this or that,” “Vote for…” whatever. All that is fine, but the foundation of action is not what we do, but who we are, who we become. Behavior does not shape respect. Respect shapes behavior.
Some are too “sophisticated” to become students of Scripture. Yet, that is the foundation for a follower of Jesus. The power of faith is stronger than action. Efforts fueled by faith change the world. Your best example? Jesus. Your greatest resource? Scripture. Your strongest support? Church. Your best friends? Fellow Christians.
Respect is contagious. When you respect others, your influence survives beyond your lifespan. Influence, for good or bad, continues long after you are gone. What will be your legacy?
Dr. Kent R. Hunter is the founder of Church Doctor Ministries, now led by Dr. Tracee J. Swank. Kent is the author of several books, including A Nation Reclaims Respect: One Person at a Time.