"Respect Your Elders" is a phrase most of us grew up hearing on a daily basis. I know I did!!
It's really not a confusing statement or one that takes much explanation. However, I think somewhere along the way we stopped teaching it and stopped applying it. This phrase does not only apply to children! You know I've learned in my short life that an "elder" is not a really old person, barely moving with one foot in the grave, but an elder is anyone over you, teaching you and yes those that are older than you.
I don't mean a 14 year old telling a 6 year old what to do or using the word "elder" as a power play.
This is what Dictionary.com says;
Elder:
1. Of great age; older.
2. Of higher rank; senior.
3. Pertaining to former times.
4. An influential member of a tribe or community, a superior.
Now, even dictionary.com will tell you "Much that was forbidden by "elder" custom is accepted today"! Now that is for a whole other blog :)
My point is no matter the age of a person, if they are put over you in any aspect. You should respect them, even if you don't agree with them. That is what our parents taught us to do. I'm sure you've heard someone say "Respect the position even if you don't respect the person."
It is unsightly to me when I see a parent being ugly & disrespectful to someone right in front of their children!!!
Be better than that!!!!
Teach love, kindness & above all RESPECT!
It is not our place to undermine people and tear them down. That is not the will of God or what he put you here for. When you are working together toward a common purpose for the Kingdom, why would it be necessary to work against each other! That is a perfect example of "sewing discord" and I can assure you without a shadow of a doubt, that IS NOT the will of God.
I tell my 6 year old that jealousy is an ugly green monster that will poke it's head wherever it can because it is a pet of the devil! I may have seen that on a Veggie Tales episode, but I promise you there is more truth in that than we give it credit for.
We will never accomplish anything in the Kingdom without unity!
I would rather pray for people and grow than fight over a position that God hasn't put me in!
If God wants you to Direct & Lead a program or sing a solo I promise you he will give you the platforms you need to get there. It's not His will for us to self promote and pull people down in order to reach a spot that we believe we should have!
When you speak to a leader in your church you should address them with respect whether you like that they are in a position or not.
**side note**Trust me, your Pastor will not have someone leading that shouldn't be and further more... we all make mistakes and are human. There is no one person on this earth who is perfect. I have to remind myself of this daily! The first and probably most important rule of working with people is accepting their imperfections.
I say again...It is not God's will for us to work against each other!!
It breaks my heart and discourages me to see church programs fall apart and church families split all because that Green Monster found his way into a heart of a saint.
Remember, being disrespectful only reflects on your character. It's doesn't make the person you are disrespecting look bad.
Please, I urge you, pray for your leaders! Love your leaders! Above all respect your leaders!
If you cant do those 3 simple things after knowing your Pastor even does it for you... Its time to step back and re-evaluate your walk with God.
Am I giving enough time to prayer?
Fasting?
Service?
Is my talent to better the Kingdom, or am I using it to better myself?
I promise you, if you aren't in it for the right reason you will fail. You will not succeed!
I love you! I pray for you!
It's really not a confusing statement or one that takes much explanation. However, I think somewhere along the way we stopped teaching it and stopped applying it. This phrase does not only apply to children! You know I've learned in my short life that an "elder" is not a really old person, barely moving with one foot in the grave, but an elder is anyone over you, teaching you and yes those that are older than you.
I don't mean a 14 year old telling a 6 year old what to do or using the word "elder" as a power play.
This is what Dictionary.com says;
Elder:
1. Of great age; older.
2. Of higher rank; senior.
3. Pertaining to former times.
4. An influential member of a tribe or community, a superior.
Now, even dictionary.com will tell you "Much that was forbidden by "elder" custom is accepted today"! Now that is for a whole other blog :)
My point is no matter the age of a person, if they are put over you in any aspect. You should respect them, even if you don't agree with them. That is what our parents taught us to do. I'm sure you've heard someone say "Respect the position even if you don't respect the person."
It is unsightly to me when I see a parent being ugly & disrespectful to someone right in front of their children!!!
Be better than that!!!!
Teach love, kindness & above all RESPECT!
It is not our place to undermine people and tear them down. That is not the will of God or what he put you here for. When you are working together toward a common purpose for the Kingdom, why would it be necessary to work against each other! That is a perfect example of "sewing discord" and I can assure you without a shadow of a doubt, that IS NOT the will of God.
I tell my 6 year old that jealousy is an ugly green monster that will poke it's head wherever it can because it is a pet of the devil! I may have seen that on a Veggie Tales episode, but I promise you there is more truth in that than we give it credit for.
We will never accomplish anything in the Kingdom without unity!
I would rather pray for people and grow than fight over a position that God hasn't put me in!
If God wants you to Direct & Lead a program or sing a solo I promise you he will give you the platforms you need to get there. It's not His will for us to self promote and pull people down in order to reach a spot that we believe we should have!
When you speak to a leader in your church you should address them with respect whether you like that they are in a position or not.
**side note**Trust me, your Pastor will not have someone leading that shouldn't be and further more... we all make mistakes and are human. There is no one person on this earth who is perfect. I have to remind myself of this daily! The first and probably most important rule of working with people is accepting their imperfections.
I say again...It is not God's will for us to work against each other!!
It breaks my heart and discourages me to see church programs fall apart and church families split all because that Green Monster found his way into a heart of a saint.
Remember, being disrespectful only reflects on your character. It's doesn't make the person you are disrespecting look bad.
Please, I urge you, pray for your leaders! Love your leaders! Above all respect your leaders!
If you cant do those 3 simple things after knowing your Pastor even does it for you... Its time to step back and re-evaluate your walk with God.
Am I giving enough time to prayer?
Fasting?
Service?
Is my talent to better the Kingdom, or am I using it to better myself?
I promise you, if you aren't in it for the right reason you will fail. You will not succeed!
I love you! I pray for you!
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