BIBLICAL ORDER IN SOCIETY

There are two relationships we have with one another…..esteem, and respect.

Esteem is the attitude we have for another person, regardless of their relationship to us, status in society, religion, or any other issue.

Philippians 2:3 tells us to:

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

If each of us would do that, there would be none trying to make themselves look good in the eyes of others, therefore, no strife, lying, cheating, etc.

Everyone is equal in the Kingdom of God, and everyone has equal chance at salvation through Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:13
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

But respect is different. Respect isn’t guaranteed, and it isn’t a free gift. It has to be either earned or acquired in some way, it can not be simply demanded.

Many people believe the lie that is being spread throughout this nation and the world, that everyone has a right to a prosperous living, a peaceful life, and to no one saying anything to them that they don’t like, even if it is true. We are told never to “offend” anyone.

This is NOT BIBLICAL! Our Lord never promised that, nor would He ever provide that kind of life.

He moreover said that we are blessed if we are not offended when we are corrected with the Truth, in Matthew 11:6 “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.”

John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

James 1:2-4 “2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

James 1:12-16 “2 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.”

Prov. 19:1 “Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”

Many young people have bought into the lie that no one can tell them what to do, and they can decide for themselves what they want to do. Again, this couldn’t be farther from God’s heart. We need to speak the truth in Love (Ephesians 4:15) and admonish the young people, even if they don’t like to hear it. We are all responsible for our actions, and if it offends someone to hear the truth, then pride is to blame.

Again, Matthew 11:6 “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.”

Proverbs 14:12
12 “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

Proverbs 14:15 “the simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going”
Proverbs 20:5 “Counsel, in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw on it.”
Proverbs 20:11 “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure and whether it be right.”
Proverbs 18:2 “a fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.”
Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 22:15 “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”
proverbs 24:23-25 “these things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. He that saith unto the wicked, thou art righteous: him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him. But to them that rebuke him, shall be delight and a good blessing shall come upon them.”
(in other words, we need to judge someone’s actions and attitude against God’s word, paying no attention to their position in life, and admonish them in love according to God’s Word.)

Giving God’s love to all freely, esteeming others as better are Bliblical commands, but respect has to be earned.

We are commanded to respect the elderly, (both parents and strangers), because of what they have done in their many decades of life on this earth. We are commanded to respect anyone who has spend decades in working hard, accomplishing a lot, and living for the Lord all their lives, after salvation.

Proverbs 15:20 “A wise son maketh a glad father, but a foolish man despiseth his mother.”

Prov. 16:31 “The hoary head (gray) is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness.”

Proverbs 20:29 “The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.”

We are commanded to respect those who have acquired a position of authority, either through accomplishment or appointment, and those in law enforcement, as well as spiritual leaders and teachers, as long as they are following the true Biblical path and are teaching salvation through Jesus the powers that be are ordained of God. Romans 13:1 “ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

When the proper order is disrupted, whether in a family or society, it is difficult for the blessings and admonition of the Lord to get through, and strife increases. (see my other writing “Family Structure in God’s Word”.