“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, [13] and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.” I Thessalonians 5:12-13 NKJV
We live in a generation where respect is earned. These days, younger people demand that older ones act in a way that will earn them respect.
In other words, if the older generation doesn’t, they shouldn’t expect anything in return. Experience and age are no longer yardsticks for reverence. While this sounds valid, I believe it’s the devil’s way of cutting short the benefits the younger generation can glean.
To make things worse, social media makes it easy for stupidity to be made public with boldness. Young people can now cut short their lives publicly and receive accolades.
This problem didn’t just start now. It has always existed. The difference is that it’s louder because we have easy access to media.
Those who understand the benefits of standing on the shoulders of giants, no matter how shrivelled they look, separate from the crowd and receive wisdom that their counterparts have foolishly refused.
We’re in a cycle. A time will come when a generation will realise its parents’ mistakes and return to reverence for those God has placed over us to guide and lead us.
How can reverencing leaders influence our work?
God has His reasons for placing people over us. Sometimes, it’s to show us an example of how to do what He has called us to do. Other times, it’s to train us, especially when working with the leader isn’t a pleasant experience.
I’ve worked with leaders cast in their ways. I’ve worked with workaholics. I’ve submitted to people who demand a lot from me without respecting my boundaries.
While in such phases, I didn’t find it funny. But I stayed and did what I needed to do at that point. In hindsight, I see the growth I’ve experienced and the lessons I’ve learnt from these leaders.
Because of these experiences, foresight allows me to see the possible end of currently difficult leader-follower relationships.
Having foresight helps us listen to those we serve as they speak, thus taking insights we can apply. These insights can help us build better business structures, align our career paths, or launch us into bigger assignments we never thought we could manage.
The point is never to join the crowd to disrespect authority. It’s better to take them to God in prayer than establish negative cycles in our lives and future generations through derogatory words.
“I walk in wisdom.”
There’s the wisdom of ages and experience that God gives us through people. Do you despise such people?
In the not-so-far future, a generation will look up to you. How would you like to be treated?
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