One Peter Baker was asked in a survey question if he ever got treated differently on account of the vehicle he was driving. His answer was in the affirmative. He had bought a used Mercedes Sprinter Limo for $30,000 for his automotive accessory business. The actual cost of a brand new one was $140,000. He confessed that for the two years he had the vehicle, people treated him with respect. Wherever he parked the vehicle, people literally begged him to allow them have a look at the interior. Beyond this, clients stopped asking for receipts; they just trusted him.

” Respect is due to those who fear God, no matter the physical status or material fortune. “

The Bible gives us a different set of criteria to determine who is worthy of respect. Let’s mention three here. Firstly, old people are to be respected, regardless of what vehicle they drive (if any at all), the clothes they wear, or the type of house they live in. “‘You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:32 NKJV). Secondly, gospel workers are to be respected. “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” (I Timothy 5:17 NKJV). Finally, the psalmist gives us another clue. In Psalm 15, he gave a long list of conditions for those who would stand before God. One of them is captured in our text – those who disregard the vile but honours people who fear the Lord. Respect is due to those who fear God, no matter the physical status or material fortune. We must be quick to add that honouring those spelt out by God is like honouring God Himself. Such effort will surely bring back a harvest of honour coming directly from the Lord.