Stand Up

“Reverend Sykes said “Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father’s passin’.” (To Kill a Mockingbird = Harper Lee, Chapter 21)

This statement is made to pay respect to a man who just failed at his assignment. The respect is given in honor of who he is, and that he attempted an impossible task. The Bible instructs that we are to honor our parents (i.e. stand up for them in public.) The text pays no heed to their qualities as parents or people, nor their successes or failures. They are to be respected because of their position of authority over their children. Our culture downplays the respect parents are due. By extension, the respect owed to other people in authority is also decreasing. The logical conclusion to this at the extreme is anarchy and chaos. And sin.

So. Who will you stand up for?

I will stand up for my parents for blessing me with an opportunity to hear the gospel, and for talents, a work ethic and world view that are helping my career.

I will stand up for my Pastors, past and present for demonstrating Christ’s life to me.

I will stand up for many others who have taught me and loved me.

Lets stand together to honor those whom God has placed over us.