Respect

Respect is the fundamental posture we want our students to have toward teachers and toward one another. It involves listening well, being attentive, responsive, and showing honor. Conversely, disrespect is one of the worst things a student can do, whether that is speaking with a snarky tone, ignoring instruction, or being defiant. Respect is mentioned 11 times in the Summit (Parent-Student) Handbook and it is a core value we expect of our students and want to instill in them.

Definition
Our English word “respect” comes from Latin: “re” meaning “back” and “spect” meaning “to look at” or “observe.” The idea is this, someone has respect when they are aware of their surroundings and acting accordingly. You are “respectful” when you are mindful of what is around you (above, below, in front of, behind, beside) and behave in regard to those things.

There are many ways to show disrespect. Sometimes disrespect involves good actions at the wrong time or wrong place: Running in the hallway, bouncing a ball in the foyer, or singing during class. Running, bouncing a ball, and singing are all good actions when done at the right time and place, but disrespectful when done in disregard to surroundings. Disrespect can also be the lack of action at the right time or place. If a teacher gives instructions to read a paragraph starting on page 3 and the response is fidgeting with a pencil instead, that is disrespect. There are some students who regularly have to be asked twice or three times before they kick into gear and obey. Again, this is disrespect. 

Scripture
God’s Word teaches us both the grounds of respect and how God wants us to give it to others. Consider 1 Peter 2:11–17 and 3:8–18.

[2:11] Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. [12] Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. [13] Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, [14] or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. [15] For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. [16] Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. [17] Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

[3:8] Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. [9] Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. [10] For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; [11] let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. [12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” [13] Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? [14] But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, [15] but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, [16] having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. [17] For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. [18] For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.

Respect Toward God
Notice in these passages that ultimate respect is given to God: “glorify God” (2:12), “be subject for the Lord’s sake” (2:13), “this is the will of God” (2:15), “living as servants of God” (2:16), “fear God” (2:17), “for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous” (3:12), “honor Christ the Lord as holy” (3:15), “good behavior in Christ” (3:16). God alone has absolute authority to be respected. This does not mean you can give disrespect to everyone else. Instead, your respect for God is the grounds of all your other respect. This works the other way as well. When you show someone disrespect, it is ultimately because you have disrespect for God. Our posture toward God has a direct connection to our posture toward the people God has put in our lives.

Respect Toward Others
There are several layers of the grounds of respect toward others. First, we treat one another with respect because God has created each person in his likeness. The image of God we each bear is the basis of dignity, worth, and respect. As C. S. Lewis described, we never interact with a “mere mortal.” Rather, every person we encounter is an immortal soul. God has given us an image of himself in every teacher and classmate.

James 3:9
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.

Another layer that motivates our respect toward others is that every person, even those engaged in the most defiant behavior against the Lord, has the potential to be a brother or sister. Christ saves the worst of sinners. We know this, because he has saved us! And when we share the common bond of Christ in the Spirit we are united on the most fundamental level. It is this communion and fellowship of the saints that strengthens our respect and love for one another. 

Giving Respect as a Gift
Have you ever noticed the upside-down arrangement of God’s kingdom? All authority in heaven and earth was given to the one who emptied himself, the Suffering Servant, crucified and buried in the ground. This is the way of Christ that we follow as we follow him. 

Mark 10:42–45
[42] And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. [43] But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, [44] and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. [45] For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Instead of power cascading downstream, submission actually flows upstream! Citizens are told to be submissive to their governing authorities, while the authorities are told to approve those who do good. Slaves are told to be submissive with all respect, while masters are warned to be not be harsh. Wives are instructed to be submissive to their own husbands, while husbands are told to show honor to their wives as weaker vessels. Church members are instructed to be submissive to their own church elders, while elders are told not to domineer of those in their charge. Children are told to obey their parents, and fathers are told not to provoke their children. 

How does authority flow in the Kingdom of God? Instead of a chain of coercion, it is a chain of respect or we could say a “Hierarchy of Honor.” This is the structure and order of the Kingdom of God that is maintained by the gift of authority and the gift of respect.

Romans 12:9–10
[9] Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Every person has the capacity to give respect as a gift. Let’s outdo one another in giving this gift today as we do all things for the honor of Christ our King.