Read: Hebrews 13:7, 17

Memory Verse: Hebrews 13:17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

The one thing I was really good at in basic training was saluting. I had a friend that had just come home on leave from basic training before I left. He taught me how to salute correctly. That ability served me well.

If you are in the military, you need to understand the chain of command and know how to show proper respect for those in authority above you. I Timothy 5:17 says Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. This means to respect their position and if they are good leaders, to respect the person.

When I saluted an officer I would either look at their shoulder or look them in the eye. I saluted the rank on their shoulder to honor the position, but if they were a good officer I saluted them while looking in their eyes – giving them double honor.

I also learned that respect is not always earned. I had to be respectful to leaders that I didn’t always respect as a person. These important principles carry over to the Christian life. We should always treat others with respect even if they don’t deserve it. Remember, James 2:9 says if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

Meditation of the Day: How can you show more respect to the people in your life?

Assignment: Make a list of five people that you respect as a person and write them a note about why you respect them.

For Fun: What ranks would you and the people in your life be? How should you treat them based upon their “rank”?