Skip to main content

I Will Not Tolerate Disrespect: Biblical Leadership Lessons from Ephesians 6:9

 

Shepherd leading sheep as a symbol of godly leadership and respect.

I Will Not Tolerate Disrespect: Wise Words for Leaders (Ephesians 6:9)

"And, leaders, do the same things to them, without threatening knowing that God who is also your Master is in heaven and has no respect of persons."  Ephesians 6:9 (KSB)

   Paul gives wise words for servants, leaders, parents, and children. As a wise master builder, he shows us how to live a better life, how to lead well, and how to treat others with dignity and kindness. In Ephesians 6, Paul reminds leaders that we were not always in positions of authority, we were once followers, servants, employees, or parishioners. To be effective leaders, we must remember what it was like to be in those positions and treat others with the same respect we once desired.

   If you are an employer, remember when you were employed. If you are a spiritual leader, remember when you sat in the pew. If you are a parent, remember when you were a child. Every person longs to be respected. Now that we hold titles and positions, we must extend the same respect we desired when we were under authority. Every person is worthy of respect. We demonstrate that through our words, our actions, and our attitudes. Jesus taught us: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Respect is not optional it is a reflection of the God we serve. Age, race, gender, education, income, background, or status do not change this truth. We are all made in the image and likeness of God, and therefore, we are all worthy of respect.

   To be a better leader, we must first remember how we wanted to be treated when we were not in charge. Respecting others is not weakness it is strength. I will not tolerate disrespect. Instead, I will set healthy boundaries. I may give a warning such as: "Please respect me as I am respecting you." But if yelling, accusations, or hurtful words continue, I will remove myself, because I do not have to remain in an atmosphere of disrespect. Respect is part of leadership, and it flows from reverence to God. Paul reminds us that God is the ultimate Master, the Leader of leaders, the Teacher of teachers, the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. When I respect you, I am reverencing God. To disrespect another person made in God’s image is to dishonor God Himself. We cannot claim to worship God while tearing down His children. Respect, therefore, is both a spiritual discipline and a leadership principle.

Wise Words for Better Leaders (Ephesians 6:9)

1. Remember where you came from.

2. Respect those you lead.

3. Reverence God in all you do.

đź“– Reflection: How can you demonstrate greater respect toward those you lead this week?

đź’ˇ Action Step: Choose one person in your life to intentionally honor with words of respect today.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hidden Treasure: You Are a Vessel, Not Just an Instrument

I AM Not an Instrument. I AM a Vessel “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7 (KSB) Hidden in Plain Sight The image that Paul presents in 2 Corinthians 4 is that of a treasure hidden within an earthen vessel. In the Old Testament, people didn’t have locks, alarm systems, or cameras to protect their valuables. Instead, their belongings were often left exposed, making them vulnerable to thieves and robbers. To safeguard their most valuable treasures, they would hide them in jars of clay—earthen vessels—placing them in plain sight. A thief or robber would never think to look there because it wasn’t an obvious hiding place. Likewise, God has placed something valuable inside of you—a treasure of great worth. Yet, people often fail to see it. You may be right in front of them, but they don’t recognize your gifts, skills, talents, anointing, abilities, or sensitivities. You are hidden in plain sight bec...
Post a Comment
Read more

Universe Means One Thing: Love

  Universe Means One Thing: Love "For all the law is fulfilled in this one word, love: Love your neighbor as yourself."   Galatians 5:14 (KSB)    Sometimes, the word “universe” can feel mysterious even spooky to some. Others think it's irreverent or sacrilegious when used in spiritual conversations. But what if we redefined it? What if “universe” simply meant love? What if it meant God, since God is love?  When we say, “the universe,” we can think of it as pointing to one word love. Just one word. The entire Bible, composed of 66 books and written by over 40 different authors, ultimately speaks to one central theme: love. From beginning to end, this divine book points us toward loving God, loving ourselves, and loving others.  In the Old Testament, God's people had 636 laws civil, ceremonial, and moral. They guided everything from relationships to religious festivals. But then Jesus came and said, “Let me make this simple Love God. Love yourself. L...
Post a Comment
Read more
  The Kingdom is About Growth (Matthew 13:24-30)   The kingdom is about growth, not condemnation, judgment, sin, abomination, transgression, or iniquity. The kingdom of God is about growth. Jesus said it is like wheat and weeds, or "tares," as some versions say. As you grow, once you plant a seed in the ground, you don’t just get what you get; you also get weeds. As you keep growing, you will outgrow any behavior, any way of being, seeing, thinking, speaking, or acting that is not like God; you will outgrow it. Stop trying to pull up the weeds and keep growing. Stop trying to put people out of your life because some of the people you think are weeds are really wheat, and some of the people you feel are wheat might not be. Just keep growing, and it will automatically separate. Jesus said the growth in the kingdom is like a mustard seed. It starts as the smallest seed, but it’s potent. So do not despise the days of small beginnings; keep growing. Don’t compare yourself to a...
Post a Comment
Read more