R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Sing along with Aretha Franklin. This is Paul’s message for all of us as we interact with others.

Fathers-Children	Owners-Slaves	Christ
Children, honor & obey your parents (1-2), RESPECT.		Your honor & obedience has a promise: your life will go well and last long on earth (3).
Fathers, show considerations for your child’s understand & experience, & treat them accordingly (4) RESPECT.		Instruct & discilpline our children in the same way that the Lord treats you (4).
	Slaves: obey, show respect, enthusiasm, & honor, Work for them as if you were working for Christ (5-6).	The Lord will reward you for the good you do (7).
	Masters, no threats, but RESPECT (8).	You are all part of the same family in Christ (9).

My thoughts: Some of us may feel that we are confined in our lives by rules, regulations, prejudice, financial needs—there is no hope for change or escape from our reality. We choose to live our lives as victims of circumstances. Paul tells us here, that we have other choices. We may not be able to change the big picture, but we can make choices within the lives we are living. How do we do our work? How do we treat others? What is the nature of the thoughts we choose to dwell on?

Pray with me. Heavenly Father, teach me to lead a life of integrity, full of love, concern, and respect for others. May the way I interact and work reflect your greatness and glory. Amen.

This is a song I grew up hearing. Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.”