I have mentioned several times that the first two things my parents taught me are that there is a God and you’re not Him. The very next thing they taught me was the Golden Rule. “Always treat others like you want to be treated.” They made it clear to me that meant everyone, even those who look different than me. Respect for others and their property was part of my life long before I was old enough to realize that is something God requires of His children. As we slowly venture out from being sheltered at home, it is important that we remember how to approach others properly.
Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Products, has given this advice to her sales force, “Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, ‘Make Me Feel Important.’ Not only will you succeed in sales, you will succeed in life.” Sounds like good advice, but I have a visualization that is even more effective. Pretend that every single person you meet has a label on his or her forehead that says, “Created in the image of God.” John tells us that it impossible to love God and hate a person made in His image. That doesn’t make them an idol to be worshipped. Only God is worthy of that. It does mean that we are to love them as God loves them; enough to send His Son to die for them; and for us. (John 3:16)
Albert Einstein always made it a point to treat the janitor with the same respect as the president of the university. He did that because it is the right thing to do; obviously not because of any ulterior motive. Jesus said that loving God with your whole being is the greatest commandment and equal to that is loving your neighbor as yourself. When asked, “Who is our neighbor?” Jesus responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan. That parable makes it clear that even someone different or someone despised by many is a neighbor we should love.
My Christian brother of sister, are you having trouble loving and respecting others because you wonder in these trying days if you even love or respect yourself? I have one more visualization for you. Look in the mirror and imagine a label on your forehead that reads, “Child of God” We read in God’s word that in end times people will take the mark of the beast on their forehead. We must always remember that God has accepted us into His family as His child and although others may not see a label, they will see His family resemblance in the way we live and love.
Over the years, I have learned from God’s word and His Holy Spirit that just as it is a blessing to receive respect and love; it is just as satisfying and rewarding to treat another person with love and respect. Scripture tells us it is more blessed to give than to receive, but I have found great joy from both giving and receiving love and respect.