RESPECT
& DIS-RESPECT!
2
Peter 2:9-13
9
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve
the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise
government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not
afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11
Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing
accusation against them before the Lord.
12
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil
of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their
own corruption;
13
And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as
they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and
blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with
you;
Does
the Bible address the issues of respect, disrespect and manners? If you are
looking to the Bible for an appropriate dress code you will be hard pressed to
find one because the Bible was written to address the problems of thousands of
years. However, there are some general insights and instructions that should be
considered and heeded.
One
of the first uses of the word “respect” can be found in Genesis 4:4-5 where God
closely inspects the offerings presented by Cain and Abel. Here the word means
“regard.” In Romans 2:11 we see that there is “no respect of persons with God.”
Here the word is prosopolepsia and means partiality or
favoritism. God has no favorites! He presents His blessings to “whosoever
will.”
In
today’s Scripture portion we find as detailed discussion of cultural and
spiritual disrespect as we might find anywhere. Peter describes those who are
“reserved unto the day of judgment.” They walk after the flesh instead of the
Spirit; they are unclean; and they despise government.
The idea of despising government is not
dissatisfaction
with government officials but a general rejection of any restricting rules.
Despising government grows out of spoiled selfishness. It whines and pouts when
challenged and it sneers at the idea of dignity and manners. In verse 11 we see
that angels, though they are mighty, respect the angelic “pecking order” and
defer judgment to God.
Verse 12 explains that “they speak evil
of things they understand not.” This means that they show disdain for
things beyond their own experience. “They are lawless and disobedient,
spurn all human authority, and speak contemptuously of all legal and civil
jurisdiction. Those in general despise governments, and speak evil of
dignities, who wish to be under no control, that they may act as freebooters in
the community.”
(from
Adam Clarke's Commentary.)
These
shall perish in their own corruption and reap the reward of unrighteousness. Their very
lifestyle will injure and ultimately destroy them. Their unrighteousness will
deliver them to the court of accountability where there will be no plea
bargaining. What is needed is a change of heart and mind brought about by repentance
and conversion. Paul reminds us in First Corinthians 6:11 that we used to be
like these “but now we are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the
Lord Jesus.”
Dear
Lord, thank you for saving me from my own disrespectful corruption and unrighteousness.
Please do the same for countless others who have polluted our culture today.
AMEN
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