Imagination

We all know the frustration of waiting for someone who is late for an appointment. We feel irritated and stressed, especially if we have rearranged our own schedule and rushed through traffic to be at the appointed meeting place on time. Of course we are all late on occasion due to circumstances beyond our control. But constant lateness demonstrates a lack of respect for others by robbing them of life's most precious commodity -- TIME.

Let's make a difference in the lives of others by showing that we value them and treasure the time they have agreed to spend with us. Let's schedule realistically and give ourselves enough time to accommodate traffic and unexpected delays. Small considerations mean a lot.

Someone else's time is a terrible thing to waste.

JAMES 3:9-10 NIV
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
It seems that respect has gone out of style. But God's unchanging Word teaches us to treat people with respect.

Not agreeing with someone is no reason to treat them disrespectfully. Just because they are wrong does not make them unworthy of respect.

By His death for them, Jesus showed us He considers people valuable and precious. So, we should not treat people as insignificant or worthless.

Disrespecting people is actually disrespecting God who created them.

God considers this so vital for wives, He gave a specific command to respect their husband.

EPHESIANS 5:33 NIV
33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Certainly, we should respect all people, but God obviously thought a special reminder to wives was needed.

A wise woman will enjoy the benefits, both now and for eternity, of acting on this command from a loving Heavenly Father.

MATTHEW 25:40 NIV
40 "The King will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

The world respects people who are rich, famous, and successful. Anyone can do that.
But how do you treat those who are thought to be the "least," who seemingly cannot help you in any way?

SAY THIS: I will respect people because they are valuable to God and He loves them.