I read the findings of a study in a book once which found that when given the choice between being respected and being loved, that many men refused to answer the question because they thought it was a “trick” question. For many men, respect and love are synonymous or are at least co-nonexistent. Can we have one, and not both? Can we love God with all of our hearts and not respect His Law? Can we love God with all of our hearts and not show respect and love to His children, our neighbors? Can we say that we love our neighbor as ourselves if we do not show our neighbor respect? It is an interesting question.
I want to be loved and respected by the people around me. I find that this is a stumbling block for me. Out of pride I will try and serve in ways that will be noticed. When my service is not noticed, I would just as soon not serve at all; this is the wrong attitude to have. God sees me. Do I truly believe that? Yes, God sees me even as I sit here and compose this. And God sees you, too, my friend.
The work we do will not go unnoticed before God. He is in all places, at all times. The Bible tells us that the bad work will be noticed too, and that only by the blood of Jesus will the bad work be forgotten. It is important to keep this in mind, and too seek after the ways of God in all things, and at all times.
albaniacalling 