Psalm 33:8 declares, “Let all the earth reverentially fear the LORD; let all the people of the world stand in awe of Him.”
It’s no wonder many people struggle to trust God fully. Somewhere along the way, they have minimized who He is in their hearts. When we reduce God, we unknowingly shrink our capacity for faith. Faith grows when God is magnified—when we stand in awe of His greatness, His power, His authority, and His love.
The Lord desires to be revered. And flowing directly from reverence for God is the call to honor and respect where it is due. Romans 13:7–8 (NIV) reminds us, “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor… Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”
God frames honor and respect as a debt. When it is withheld, something remains unpaid.
Does that reflect what we see in today’s society? Respect has become rare, even optional. Scripture warned us this would happen. 2 Timothy 3:1–4 (NIV) describes the last days as marked by arrogance, rebellion, ingratitude, and self-love—symptoms that all share a common root: a lack of honor for authority, structure, and ultimately, God Himself. When respect disappears, unity erodes, law and order weaken, and blessing is hindered—both in society and in individual lives.
Proverbs addresses this problem at its root. Proverbs 29:21 (NIV) says, “If a man pampers his servant from youth, he will bring grief in the end.”
This verse paints a sobering picture. A servant, by definition, is someone under authority—one who recognizes obligation and submission. Authority, on the other hand, is the God-given right to lead, direct, and govern. In this proverb, a person in authority indulges the servant without boundaries for an extended time. Eventually, the servant grows entitled. Gratitude fades. Respect erodes. What once was kindness becomes expectation—and finally, resentment and rebellion. The relationship breaks down, and grief follows.
The issue was never kindness. It was the loss of clear authority and proper honor.
This doesn’t mean healthy authority relationships can’t be warm and respectful. Scripture gives us beautiful examples—Nehemiah’s relationship with the king is one of mutual honor and trust. But clarity of role was never lost. Respect remained intact.
All of us move between roles. At times, we carry authority. At other times, we serve under authority. And all of us—without exception—live under God’s authority. Because of this, honor and respect must be given appropriately and received rightly.
This principle is especially vital in parenting. Children who grow up without learning respect and honor often struggle later with authority, law, property, and relationships. They may demand respect while rarely giving it. God warns that this path leads to grief. Loving, understanding parents must still remember their God-given role. Pampering disrespect today produces pain tomorrow.
The same pattern appears in the workplace. Employees desire kind, caring leadership—and rightly so. But kindness must never erase accountability. When respect disappears, entitlement grows. Gossip, dishonor, resistance to instruction, and disregard for leadership follow. The once-valued employee becomes a problem the employer regrets hiring.
This isn’t a call for harsh leadership or cold authority. Be godly. Be fair. Be kind. But never allow inappropriate behavior to redefine what is appropriate. Enforce what is right. Give opportunity for correction. And if necessary, release what will not change.
For those who recognize themselves in the role of the pampered servant, Scripture offers mercy and wisdom: correct yourself before correction comes. Learn reverence. Restore respect. Thank God for teaching you before consequences arrive.
Begin each day by praising God for who He is. Let awe return to your heart. Then carry that reverence into every sphere of life—home, workplace, and society. Give honor, respect, and kindness where they are due. This keeps the channels of blessing open and your heart humble, pliable, and teachable—the very qualities God delights to promote.
1 Peter 2:17
“Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, reverence God, honor the king.”
