Upholding The Culture And Value Of Respect: The New Political Phenomenon*
**Upholding The Culture And Value Of Respect: The New Political Phenomenon**
Job 32 KJV
4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
Isn’t it interesting to know that certain virtues and values were known, practiced and upheld since the creation!
Society stands or falls depending on how these values are taught, practiced and upheld by citizens
As indicated above, a young man named Elihu had the honour and privilege of being part of a meeting of elders. He never acted contrary to tradition, culture or protocol but honoured them. He waited for the elderly to speak before he sought permission to speak, who would not respect such a youth. ?
Even though he knew that the submissions of the elderly were far from the truth, he waited for his turn.
I’ve said these to make the case of how our society has degenerated into a rebellious one, if in doubt just go to any social media platform to see how many a young person conducts or rather misconduct themselves.
Growing up my mother once said to me what I later read, that “If you know how to wash your hands you’ll eat with the elderly.”
Conduct and behaviour were what she was teaching me.
She made me understand that to be a friend to the elderly is a privilege and an honor so I should take it seriously, treasure it and regard it as an opportunity offered to me to learn!
Indeed, later in life I found what she taught me true and valuable.
Today in the name of politics and political power we have reduced every discourse to insults and disrespect. We speak evil freely of leaders, under the canopy of democratic speech.
The Bible enjoins us to show respect to ourselves and our leaders;
1 Peter 2 KJV
17+ Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Romans 13 KJV
1+ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
At school, I was taught this lesson by my political ideas lecturer Ian Grant. He said “In a democratic dispensation, ideas must be allowed to compete for acceptance “.
In politics it about ideas and not insults, tribal or ethnocentrism! In politics, we speak to facts and not noise, falsehood, deception etc.; ideology and not fanaticism or bigotry.
Every political party is founded on an ideology, its way of developing society. There is the conservative, there is the liberal, there is the socialist there is the capitalist etc. All these are ways or paths by which parties believe they can develop societies
What each does is to present to the masses how they intend to develop society; if the majority believe in that route to developing society they vote to endorse it. If not they vote against it.
It is about ideology not insults. It is about healthy discourse conducted in a respectful environment and not toxic.
What is of worry and concern is the involvement of Christians in this uncultured way of life. A way of life which contradicts the vow/pledge we made to uphold discipline and proper decorum!
A thought to share