SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON ~ NOVEMBER 21ST

Being Respectful

LESSON PASSAGE OUTLINE
1. Respect for Parents (Eph. 6:1-3)
2. Respect for Children (Eph. 6:4)
3. Respect for Employers (Eph. 6:5-8)
4. Respect for Workers (Eph. 6:9)

BIBLICAL TRUTH - Christians are to treat other people such as their parents, children, supervisors, and employees with respect.

Bible Commentary - by Kendell Easley, Professor of Christian Studies at the Germantown TN campus of Union University.

Vicki was stumped by her six-year-old’s temper tantrums in the grocery store. Josh had the habit of grabbing sweets off the shelves, even though Vicki told him no. If she tried to put the items back, Josh threw himself onto the aisle floor and howled until Vicki caved in. When Vicki brought up this challenge to her women’s Bible study group, it opened up a wide-ranging conversation on respect. Most members agreed that Josh showed no respect for his mother, and Vicki needed to take strong measures to get his behavior under control. One older woman commented: ìWhen I was little, sassing my parents was the quickest way to get swats on my behind. I’m really grateful that my folks made me learn to respect them. It has served me well in raising my own kids as well as while I am on the job.

 How big an issue is lack of respect today between parents and children? What about between supervisors and employees? What forms of disrespect have you seen on display in church life?

The Bible teaches that every human being bears God’s image. For this reason alone, we are to treat others with respect. Scripture further teaches that we are called on to show respect to some persons because of our family relationship with them or because of their leadership role in life. Yet many today ignore this biblical principle. Children and teens who sass or disobey their parents are not respecting them. Adult children who neglect their aging parents are also disrespectful. It works the other way as well. Parents fail to esteem their children if they do not train them properly or if they abuse them. Employees who refuse to give their best effort are being disrespectful to their employers. Similarly, supervisors show no regard for their workers if they abuse them.

This lesson can help people understand that, as children, parents, workers, and supervisors, Christians are to show respect for others.