Julane FisherWhen did showing respect become counter-culture? Students disrespecting teachers. Society disrespecting police. Politicians disrespecting one another. How can we expect our kids to respect those in authority if we as adults don’t model this behavior? I believe there is a way, but the answer may surprise you.
When I was in college, I worked in the admissions office. One Christmas break, I was told I had to stay in town and work, rather than going home like my classmates. I wasn’t happy about the situation, and proceeded to tell my boss. I called my parents, expecting them to side with me, but instead, I was about to learn a valuable lesson.
My dad was quick to correct me, and told me to apologize to my boss and ask for her forgiveness. Wait, what? Why should I apologize to her? I didn’t do anything wrong. My dad gave me a bit of wisdom that I will never forget. He said my attitude was one of disrespect and that my manager was in authority over me. He told me to rise above my pride, and speak to her respectfully.
The next day, I begrudgingly shuffled into work and apologized for my bad attitude. I even asked her to forgive me. I’ll never forget the look of shock on her face. That moment not only changed my relationship with my manager, it changed me.
Since that day, I’ve often shared that story with others in similar situations. I remember a friend had a disagreement with a coworker and, after hearing my story, she implemented the rise above approach. Her coworker was so shocked, they literally became friends!
Author and speaker Dave Willis, says, “Show respect even to people who don’t deserve it; not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours.”
I can’t force others to show respect, but I can change myself. I can model respectful behavior, and so can you. Even when everyone at school is disrespecting a teacher, you can be different. Why would I do that, you ask? Because it changes you!
When we respect those in authority over us, it benefits us far more than the other person by teaching us how to rise above our differences, compromise, and learn to love those who are different from us.
Misha
Kristen Gwen
Carol Eaton
What a fantastic perspective! Thanks for sharing. This would change the culture of a workplace, a family, literally any group or organization by changing the members of those groups from the inside out.
Very good post. Respect for one another is so important and you don’t see a lot of respect anymore. That’s sad.
Wow! I love this. Thanks so much for sharing. Definitely words of wisdom to follow.
That’s a great lesson on respect! I totally agree- nobody has respect anymore. It is really hard to stand up to as a Christian but having the Lord with me every day helps me do what I know is right.
I love this! I can definitely use this story to pass on to my children (as well as myself). Thank you for sharing.