“The lifeblood of integrity is becoming the same person no matter where we are- no matter who’s around.”
If we wish to be respected, this verse quickly sums up several qualities that make people worthy of the respect of others: having integrity & not being a heavy drinker and not being dishonest with money. Sounds pretty simple but the application can be a little trickier. Sometimes it can be hard to be the same person regardless of who is around, sometimes it is easy to come in late, leave early, or watch videos at work thereby taking our boss’ money for time we did’t actually give him. Nevertheless, if we want to be respected, to be seen as different and point to Christ, these are a few things we should strive toward. 1 Thessalonians adds minding our own business and working with our hands. 1 Peter says to show proper respect to everyone. Show respect to get respect- sounds fair. Everyone deserves a measure of respect from all men simply because every human being bears the image of God but that only buys them that basic level of respect owing them basic human rights and kindness. Anything more than that must be earned through our character and behavior.
“Do everything you can to live a quiet life. Mind your own business. Work with your hands, just as we told you to. Then unbelievers will have respect for your everyday life. And you won’t have to depend on anyone.”
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIRV
“Show proper respect to everyone. Love the community of believers. Have respect for God. Honor the king.”
1 Peter 2:17 NIRV
“So God created man in his own likeness. He created him in the likeness of God. He created them as male and female.”
Genesis 1:27 NIRV
In the Living Word 