The other day I was watching an episode of Star Trek where Counsellor Troy said, “Respect has to be earned, it can’t just be given.” This didn’t sound right to me. On Googling the phrase I found that many people have commented on this phrase. I found that younger people, thinking of bosses, teachers, and parents, tend to agree. On the other hand, I found Christians who disagreed because they link respect with Jesus’ command to love others whether they deserve it or not.
I asked God what he thought about it. This blog posting is to add his reply into the public forum.
To give someone the respect that they have earned makes you a “slave” to them. You can only act according to their performance. 2 Timothy 1:9 says God did not call you because of your works. You did not earn salvation. God does not have to weigh up your performance and bow in respect to you. Your purpose and grace should take you beyond being enslaved to other people’s performance. Purpose to love others because it is what you do.