Madeline Crabb
What we need is a little respect?
By Madeline Crabb
Aretha Franklin sang about it. Parents used to command it. Schools used to teach it. What is it? Respect. So the question is: Whatever happened to common respect...for our parents, teachers, neighbors, authority, and even for our selves?
While realizing there is a total lack of respect in today's society, this truth really hit me recently when Senator Barbara Boxer showed utter disdain for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Then I remembered the contemptuous Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Chief Justice John Roberts, and Associate Justice Samuel Alito, and wasn't too surprised at Boxer's disrespect for Rice. Perhaps this is because rude and disrespectful are fitting terms to describe many US senators, probably the most condescending, pompous group of individuals in the United States, and people we elected to represent us. What does this say about us? Hmmm...
Until the mid-60's, America still honored God and family, and therefore was generally restrained and polite. And then there was the rebellion of the "make love not war" generation. As our youth seemed to muster utter contempt for all authority, parents began to cave to the demands of their children. College administrators began surrendering their authority and schools to radical, rebellious youth. From there the rebellion and lack of respect for authority spread into every area of society. The results are frightening.
In California, legislators are trying to pass a law forbidding parents to spank their children. In homes across America, the kids rule — not the parents. Parents who actually want to discipline their children are fearful of being accused of abuse by their snot-nosed kids, and also of being prosecuted by government. The kids have learned they don't have to respect or obey their parents, and the parents don't command respect from their kids. This happens in at least two ways. First, parents are totally disrespectful and disobedient to God, their employers, and all others they may encounter. After all, this is a "Me, me" society when the only thing that is important is what I like and I want. Second, parents don't establish authority and control over their homes, choosing instead to allow disrespect from their children.
Home is the foundation for becoming good citizens. Because scores of parents relinquished their authority and began letting kids rule their homes, we now are quickly becoming a society ruled by anarchists. Now not only colleges, but business, government, and media have been given over to the "I want it my way" people. So is it any wonder there is a lack of respect in society?
Fellow Americans, while I have listed several symptoms of societal disrespect, the root cause is lack of respect for and obedience to God. We have turned our backs on God, rejected his teachings, and gone our own way. In short, we have rebelled. And like Old Testament Israel, and every other rebellious nation, we are reaping what we have sown. Before judgment falls, however, God is giving us another chance to return to him. We do that by honoring him and obeying his commands given through the Bible.
Scripture is replete with teachings about basic respect, for God first, and then for all others. Philippians 2:6 tells us to consider others better than our selves. Not only are we to respect others, we are to be worthy of respect. Government-run schools can't teach these principles; they must be taught in homes and churches. Like Aretha, we've got to have a little respect. Are we up to the task? To anyone willing to hear....
© Madeline Crabb
Aretha Franklin sang about it. Parents used to command it. Schools used to teach it. What is it? Respect. So the question is: Whatever happened to common respect...for our parents, teachers, neighbors, authority, and even for our selves?
While realizing there is a total lack of respect in today's society, this truth really hit me recently when Senator Barbara Boxer showed utter disdain for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Then I remembered the contemptuous Supreme Court confirmation hearings for Chief Justice John Roberts, and Associate Justice Samuel Alito, and wasn't too surprised at Boxer's disrespect for Rice. Perhaps this is because rude and disrespectful are fitting terms to describe many US senators, probably the most condescending, pompous group of individuals in the United States, and people we elected to represent us. What does this say about us? Hmmm...
Until the mid-60's, America still honored God and family, and therefore was generally restrained and polite. And then there was the rebellion of the "make love not war" generation. As our youth seemed to muster utter contempt for all authority, parents began to cave to the demands of their children. College administrators began surrendering their authority and schools to radical, rebellious youth. From there the rebellion and lack of respect for authority spread into every area of society. The results are frightening.
In California, legislators are trying to pass a law forbidding parents to spank their children. In homes across America, the kids rule — not the parents. Parents who actually want to discipline their children are fearful of being accused of abuse by their snot-nosed kids, and also of being prosecuted by government. The kids have learned they don't have to respect or obey their parents, and the parents don't command respect from their kids. This happens in at least two ways. First, parents are totally disrespectful and disobedient to God, their employers, and all others they may encounter. After all, this is a "Me, me" society when the only thing that is important is what I like and I want. Second, parents don't establish authority and control over their homes, choosing instead to allow disrespect from their children.
Home is the foundation for becoming good citizens. Because scores of parents relinquished their authority and began letting kids rule their homes, we now are quickly becoming a society ruled by anarchists. Now not only colleges, but business, government, and media have been given over to the "I want it my way" people. So is it any wonder there is a lack of respect in society?
Fellow Americans, while I have listed several symptoms of societal disrespect, the root cause is lack of respect for and obedience to God. We have turned our backs on God, rejected his teachings, and gone our own way. In short, we have rebelled. And like Old Testament Israel, and every other rebellious nation, we are reaping what we have sown. Before judgment falls, however, God is giving us another chance to return to him. We do that by honoring him and obeying his commands given through the Bible.
Scripture is replete with teachings about basic respect, for God first, and then for all others. Philippians 2:6 tells us to consider others better than our selves. Not only are we to respect others, we are to be worthy of respect. Government-run schools can't teach these principles; they must be taught in homes and churches. Like Aretha, we've got to have a little respect. Are we up to the task? To anyone willing to hear....
© Madeline Crabb
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