Acquire wisdom; and with all that you acquire
gain understanding.

Proverbs 4:7

We are truly living in a day of much information and little understanding.  In fact, we are besieged with information, repeated over and over to the point. If you’re like me, you just shut the news off!  But, we are called to walk in wisdom, understanding the times.
 
How do we do this?  We need to think critically about everything we read and see.  Long gone are the days when you could trust someone’s word just because they were in a place of authority.  In order to be trusted, we must be trustworthy…worthy of respect.  Respect is earned, not given randomly – this is wisdom.

How do we earn respect?  Well, that’s a process.  To earn respect means when you commit to something, you do it.  It means telling the truth at all times, not just when it’s convenient.  It means when you claim to be honest – you are.  It means going the extra mile, at work and at home.  It means care and compassion for those who are in need. 
 
You gain respect by walking in integrity.  If you are wrong, admit it.  Humility is a great precursor to respect.  Gaining respect doesn’t mean you’re perfect – far from it.

Our greatest example of one to be respected and honoured is Jesus Christ.  Oh, that we:

• may have a heart of compassion like Jesus

• that we might have strength of commitment like Jesus

• that we might have wisdom like and that we may have courage like Jesus.  

This is my prayer for each of you today.