The Importance of Living a Life of Respect in a Disrespecting Age

by Jeff Lee

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,  to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”  Titus 3:1–2 NIV84

In the last few years there has been a growing trend toward disrespect toward each other in Western cultures.  If someone disagrees with an idea, practice, teaching, action and more than an individual may feel permission to be disrespectful.  This seems to be especially true even of politicians.  But without getting political or meddling to much in these waters of opinion, I must admit I appreciated the challenge this morning from Titus 2:1-2. 

The attitudes and actions of disrespect, selfishness, inconsideration and slander must have been a problem in the church of Crete.  Paul, who is an apostle of Jesus Christ, faced disrespect on so many occasions experiencing hardship, torture, pain and agony for just simply having a Christian faith and sharing this faith with others.  A man, who could have been upset, instead tells his ministry apprentice Titus to “remind the people,” with the context being Christians to be respectful of governing authorities and toward all people. 

Sometimes I have to admit, I am not always happy with certain ideas, world views, government actions, comments and opinions over others.  However, as a Christian, I am called to live a life, as taught in this passage, of respect, peace, being considerate and humble, no matter how I feel.  This is stinging, because like many, this can be hard to do in practice, but seems simplistic in theory.  Lea & Griffin state that “Christians should be careful not to speak evil of or verbally abuse others, who are created in God’s own image and the object of his saving grace (Jas 3:9).”[1]

A story about Winston Churchill “exemplified integrity and respect in the face of opposition. During his last year in office, he attended an official ceremony. Two gentlemen that were seated several rows behind him began whispering, “That's Winston Churchill. They say he is getting senile. They say he should step aside and leave the running of the nation to more dynamic and capable men.” When the ceremony was over, Churchill turned to the men and said, “Gentlemen, they also say he is deaf!”[2]

People can say and feel all sorts of things that are true and untrue, hurtful and even unhelpful, as we see in this story.  It is easy for some people to get critical easily, even defensive and agitated.  However, I do wonder, if you are reading this post as a Christian today, if you find this teaching brings a sting to your mind and heart.  Have you lashed out at others in without a humble attitude, being disrespectful and selfish without being considerate?  You and I may disagree with others, but we are not asked to be agreeable.  We may feel hurt or bothered by another’s beliefs or political persuasions, but this teaching from Paul does not encourage being obnoxious, hurtful and disrespectful.  This does not mean we cannot share our thoughts or views but we must do so in an attitude of love and respect.  Be considerate that we may not have all the information, or we may not have the whole story, or we may not understand why a person has come to particular conclusions and actions.  What Jesus and Paul both teach is we must live in an attitude of love and respect toward other people, even when we disagree.  Think about how you can approach each conversation in an   Remember, we are also called to do our best to be obedient and kind to authorities who lead.  We are work hard “be ready to do whatever is good.”  Wiersbe says that “Ready to every good work” means “cooperating in those matters that involve the whole community.” Our heavenly citizenship does not absolve us from responsibilities as citizens on earth.”[3]  We must live as respectful and responsible citizens in our communities, which includes our neighbourhoods, workplaces and schools, but also our social media communities. 

attitude of grace and love.

Humility, respect, consideration and goodness are traits that mark being a Christian.  Why does it seem that some who identify with Christ nowadays seem to be disposing of this important teaching?  A great summation on this teaching to ponder today is that, “It is not enough for Christians to say the right things—telling others about Jesus and his love. Our lives are of critical importance, too. People need to see a consistency between the salvation that we profess to have received and the way we live in the world.  And in these reminders to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be ready to do whatever is good etc., we have clear pointers as to the direction in which we must go as we seek to reduce Paul’s concern to practice.”[4]

Let us move ahead this week in an attitude of love, humility, consideration and peace in all our conversations this week, asking forgiveness from God and others when we fail, and being the change.

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[1]  Thomas D. Lea and Hayne P. Griffin, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, vol. 34, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 319.

[2] Pastor Paul Chappell, "Winston Churchill," Ministry 127, accessed November 17, 2017, http://ministry127.com/resources/illustration/winston-churchill.

[3]  Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 267.

[4]  David Campbell, Opening up Titus, Opening Up Commentary (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2007), 95.