Respect and Manners

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another
Romans 12:10

This morning my husband and I were doing our devotions before the kids woke up, and as we read through Proverbs, my husband commented on the Scriptures referencing having a foolish vs disciplined child. It brought us to a discussion on manners. We talked about how it seems that not many kids these days are taught respectful behaviors such as saying "sir" and "ma'am", standing when a lady or authority figure enters the room, making eye contact when speaking to an adult (it should be noted that this behavior in particular is actually considered disrespectful in some cultures), using body language that shows interest in what the speaker is saying, etc.

Then Rick said something very interesting. He said he remembers every student who ever thanked him after a class. He then proceeded to name them. These kids would walk up to him at the end of every class, look him in the eye, and say thank you before leaving for their next class. I too remember the students who were more respectful, but it's a little different dynamic in elementary. We did lessons on manners, and the expectation was to use them. In Rick's high school classes, these were the kids who took it to heart and made it a part of their character. They made it a point to thank a teacher for his instruction. And not only did he notice, he remembered years after.

Of course, we want that to be our kids. We have already started with "yes/no, sir/ma'am" and the other basics of please, thank you, etc. with Selah, but we realized today that we want to go beyond the basics of manners and teach our children to go above and beyond to be caring, respectful, well-mannered children and, eventually, adults. Proverbs 20:11 says "Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright".

So, we have begun making a list of behaviors we want to make sure we are modeling for our kids and instructing them in. John 13:35 tells us that all will know we are Christians by our love for one another; and we know from 1st Corinthians 13 that love is kind. It is not arrogant or rude. Teaching this kind of respect and humility to our children is just one more way to show the world the Love of Christ. I hope you will join me in this mission. I pray that you too will make a list of behaviors and manners you would like to start modeling for and teaching your child to exhibit. I pray that we will be successful in raising up a generation of respectful young ladies and gentleman and grow more ourselves in this area. Let's pray together!

Lord, we commit this plan to you, knowing that if we "commit our way unto You, You shall bring it to pass". Please help us to teach our children to be honorable, respectful, and well-mannered individuals who reflect Your love in their interactions with other children and adults. We pray that they would show the utmost integrity in this area and really take this lesson to heart that it may become such a part of their character that they do it without anticipating recognition or reward. May they find joy in showing respect and gratitude and making others feel loved and appreciated, especially those who may be difficult to love but most in need. Please help me to grow in these areas as well that I may effectively role model this kind of loving behavior. May all of this be for Your glory alone Lord. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.