Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 4, 2015
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 1 Timothy 3:2–3
Respectability invites respect. You may say, “I cannot get any respect.” If so, on what do you base your expectations? Is it your charm, charisma, or ability to converse well? None of these mean you are respectable; in fact, they can repel respect and garner disrespect. Your skills and gifts require character to garner the admiration of others.
Respect is earned, not demanded. It is sustained by influence, not position. Presidents, preachers, and parents are given respect for their position, but if they consistently underperform or lack integrity, respect is lost. It is not a right of the irresponsible but a privilege of the dependable. Respectable leaders get right results in the right way.
Respectable leaders also rise to the occasion and do the right things. They persevere and provide stability instead of panicking and creating chaos. They take responsibility by espousing the values of the organization, not by gossiping and blaming others. There is a depth of character that runs deep within their souls, not to be stolen by sin.
Lastly, respectable leaders are well thought of when their track record is one of trustworthiness, honesty, and follow through. However, the goal is not for people to like you. They may not like you when you lovingly hold them accountable, but they will respect you. They may not like your discipline, but they will respect your consistency. They may not embrace your beliefs, but if expressed in humility they will respect you. Perhaps you ask, “Am I respectable?” If so, you can expect respect.
Prayer: What area of my character needs growth and transformation so as to solicit respect?
The Bible says, “A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised” (Proverbs 12:8 nlt).
Related Readings: Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 15:27; John 10:12–13; Romans 16:18
Tweet this today: Respect is earned over time, not demanded in an instance. #respectableleaders #WisdomHunters
Worship Resource: 3 minute video- Moriah Peters: Well Done
Today’s reading is from Boyd’s newest devotional book Two Minutes in the Bible for Men. Pre-Order now!
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help.
Our free Apple app Our free Android app
© 2015 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
Comments are closed.
First of all, I want to tell you how much I enjoy Wisdom Hunters! Your devotional a resonate with me and definitely provide daily nourishing nuggets. I have recently noticed that your scripture links at the bottom of your posts are no longer working correctly. I share that because that too is a part that I enjoy. I used to be able to click the link and pull up the scriptures in Biblegateway. Now it has other chapters that prevent the scriptures from coming up when it goes to the Biblegateway app. Just wanted to let you know! Love your posts and accompanying scriptures!
Thank you. So True! Respect and demanding are two words that are not compatible, they cancel each other out by one always trumping the other. There is not a common ground between respect and demanding. I have always felt that respect flows the best on a two way street.
Dear Lucy,
Thank you for letting us know. I will pass this information along to our Wisdom Hunter’s team that know and understand so much more than I do about these technical issues :). Please know that we will look into it.
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words about the devotionals. We are thankful that you have been blessed by them. We always love hearing from our Wisdom Hunter’s family and look forward to hearing from you again.
Grateful for you.
Merry Christmas!
Gwynne
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7
Dear Kimberly,
Thank you for your discerning comments regarding respect and demanding. You are so right when you said “I have always felt that respect flows best on a two way street”.
I found it reassuring to read Boyd’s comments about respectable leaders. “Respectable leaders also rise to the occasion and do the right thing. They persevere and provide stability instead of panicking and creating chaos……There is a depth of character that runs deep within their souls, not to be stolen by sin.” Amen and Amen. This is a great reminder, especially in today’s political climate.
Kimberly, as always, we are grateful for your comments and look forward to hearing from you again.
In this season of celebration of our Lord and Savior, we rejoice in HIM!!!
Merry Christmas,
Gwynne
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flock at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Don not be afraid, I bring you news of great joy that will be for all people.”
Luke 2:8-10