June 28, 2009 ~ R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Daddy and my Papa always said "a man was only as good as their word"!

Today's Scripture:

A person who speaks truth is respected.

Proverbs 21:28

Although you may be granted power, you are not as easily given respect. Respect is not bestowed upon you as you attain positions of authority. You have been told that respect must be earned, not demanded. But no one gives an exact formula for earning it. You may have been told that you must prove yourself. But how you have to prove yourself may not be explained.

The way to gain respect among your peers is to continually keep your word.

You may remember your parents or grandparents using such phrases as "His word is his bond" or the "gentleman's agreement." The notion that a man's word is as sacred as a written contract is almost obsolete in most of today's society. I will make you a promise that I will do everything in my power to accomplish a task I've promised to you even if it means walking across hot coals. Although for some your word may not be as highly esteemed in this era, you can however increase its value.

By keeping your word as your bond, people will at least hear you out. When you have their attention, you should speak truthfully. Speaking the truth is not always easy, and it doesn't mean that you have to hurt others with unabashed honesty. Truth telling is simply speaking only what you know is true. Repeating unsubstantiated opinions or rumors about others is not trustworthy. When you say what you mean, and you mean what you say, people may not always like your message, but they will learn to trust it. You earn respect by the proven validity and reliability of your word overt time.

Selah people' and friends when you are asked your opinion of a matter, consciously decide to tell the truth. You may have to buffer it with gracious words, but speak truthfully and keep your word, and you will get respect.

"May today be the day we honor God by honoring our word to family, friends and all whom we speak. Make a commitment to not give away your word without backing it 100%."

Your pastor,

Rev Patrick Muston