“Get Some Respect” by Kirk Hunt

And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent. (Exodus 18:7 KJV)

You would think a leader like Moses wouldn't honor or acknowledge some one as mundane as his father-in-law. Fresh from supernatural victory over Pharaoh and the Egyptian army, you might expect Moses to be above it all. Instead he bowed and scraped as Jethro walked through the camp.

Despite his accomplishments and successes, Moses held Jethro in great esteem. Could Jethro be worthy of that much respect? Was Moses that humble? I suspect it was a combination of the two.

40 years in the Midian desert had taught Moses the folly of arrogance and self-centered thinking. Scripture doesn't say directly, but it's not hard to imagine Jethro, the priest of Midian, had cultivated a substantial soul. One man learned, respect. The other earned it.

Learn how to be respectful. Seek out the people in your world who deserve a little bowing and scrapping. Get close and personal, then yearn to be impressed.

Until you find someone worthy, labor to be someone worthy. Develop your soul until some body thinks you're worth a bow, or at least a nod. Remember that real respect is always earned, never demanded.

Moses, the Lawgiver, chose to respect a mere man. A man who chit-chatted with God, face-to-Shekinah, respected a regular man. There must be a lesson there.

Think: I need to get some respect.

Pray: “Lord, help me learn to respect You, others and even myself.”

Copyright © May 2007, Kirk Hunt