My Pondering

It’s been said that men desire RESPECT and women want LOVE. I’ve found that mostly true but we all deserve both. They are similar but different.

God first and foremost deserves our RESPECT.

People in authority do as well, at least for the position and responsibility they hold.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

R.espect – Responsibility

God expects us to be responsible with the Time, Talent and Treasure He has given us. It doesn’t mean everything should be all work and no fun but it does mean He expects a return on His investment aka ROI.

We should take ownership of what we can do. No more, no less.

“All I can do is all I can do but all I can do is enough (God willing)”

– AL Williams

Responsibility is about being perfect but it it about being reliable, consistent and congruent. It’s being a person of integrity and authenticity.

Who is someone that you regard as being responsible?

Share a situation in which you were responsible and/or weren’t and learned a valuable lesson?

r.E.spect – Empathy

Empathy is an essential to giving respect to another person. Understanding, or at least attempting to understand, is critical as:

Respect begets respect.

When we give it, we are more likely to receive it.

Its wrong to treat people with impartiality because of things out of their control. It’s wrong to judge a book by its cover but it’s foolish not do so after you have read it cover to cover. I am not talking about judging people regarding things we have no business with, things which are higher than our pay grade but judge, or discern if you prefer, that which affects us.

Other human beings as we each were created in God’s image. When we are willing to walk with another person in their shoes, or at least along side them for a while is empathetic and endearing of respect.

Like the tried and true saying,

People dont care how much you know until they know how much you care.

How empathetic are you generally with strangers, visitors, clients, team members, friends, family, and spouse?

re.S.pect – Service

When we genuinely and emphatically care for others, we are more likely to serve. Serving others is a great and essential way to give respect and demonstrate our love as it stems from our empathetic POV. Servant leadership stems from service to others. It’s a mindset.

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;”

Romans 12:10-11

Jesus no doubt was and is the ultimate Servant Leader and should have the respect of everyone.

Here is an acrostic regarding such:

res.P.ect – Professionalism

Pros maintain integrity, ethics, and high standards. This is the center of respect, like the spine which keeps us upright and true.

When we do things the right way consistently, we are professionals and deserving of respect.

resp.E.ct – Excellence

When we demonstrate excellence, it commands people’s respect and accompanying admiration. People like winners. People respect others who strive for excellence of Attitude and Action.

There is no secret nor short cuts here.

It’s not about being perfect but being your best. Bringing your A game.

There are 4 primary elements, 4 fundamentals which it takes to be most excellent. 1j Passion about your purpose 2) Preparation and practice 3) Performance- bringing your A game and consistently delivering and 4) adhering to your principles and knowing the difference between preferences.

When you inspect what you expect, then you are more likely to be excellent.

Living an excellent life is about sure and steady improvement (Kaizen) and intentionally instituting good productive habits.

Here are 20 daily disciplines we all can benefit from.

I also wish to share a creed I developed a while back and happy to revisit: Living a life of excellence.

respe.C.t – COURAGE

Courage to take action with the willingness to put it on the line voraciously demands respect.

Courage is critical.

Remember, 1 plus God equals a majority.

What’s might God be calling you to charge with Courage?

respec.T – Trust

Build and maintain trust through honesty and consistency.

“Build bridges of trust that will support the weight of truth”

When we do this, respect will be strengthened.