To get respect takes
action. There are plenty of people that might like you but not deeply care. How
could this be, not genuine care? Are you willing to do to the little things
that can make a huge difference? How do you go about gaining someone’s respect?
A while ago I had a
good friend. I really enjoyed this friend and would try to help him out from
time to time, he would do the same for me. At first we did things that
sacrificed some of our free time. Soon it became less then it got to the point
we would hang out with each other but not deeply care. It wasn’t their fault or
my fault but both our faults. The friendship died and I think for some reason
we lost a sense of respect for each other. It’s even worse when you are in a
relationship whether a friendship or dating when you are the only one that
cares.
Paul wanted to share
his faith with everyone and would put himself on a lower level then others to
help them experience Jesus. 1 Corinthians 9:22-23…
“To the weak I become
weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all
possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel,
that I may share in its blessings.”
Paul wanted others to
see the love of Christ. In order to do this he had to do anything necessary in
order to gain the respect of the people he was trying to talk to about Jesus.
He was willing to do whatever it took to share this message of love and grace.
There was nothing that was to low for him to do.
To gain respect we
have to give respect. Nobody wants to hear hollow words. It’s like a person
talking about needing to lose weight and ordering two double quarter pounders
for lunch. We have to be willing to make a sacrifice to gain respect. Paul was
willing to do this. If you want respect it requires trying to go and help
people out. Paul was great at doing this to reach people with Christ and it’s
about reaching people where they are at. I need to remember to do this.
Becoming less so I can reach more. What about you?
Have a great day.
