Respect Lens

Today I observed something really touching that I just wanted to share. This morning was the dedication of the Brigham City, UT temple and my ward was one of the lucky ones that was able to witness it. Prior to the dedicatory prayer there were several speakers, one being President Packer*. The touching moment was during President Packer's talk; Elder Nelson** humorously interacted with President Packer at the beginning of the talk and then humbly paid attention to him through the remainder. Why I find this so touching was because you could strongly sense the amount of gratitude and respect Elder Nelson felt towards President Packer. You could tell he admired him and desired to be like him. He looked as a student would towards a wise mentor.

I think in our modern society respect has become a multi-layered term that is increasingly decaying (yes I know that's an oxymoron). People aggressively exercise their right to disagree. The younger generation convinces themselves that their knowledge of technology makes them somehow superior. Immediate needs of the individual take precedence over common courtesy and general welfare.

It would do us all some good to take some pointers from Elder Nelson as we continue our journey through life. 

Lesson 1: Respect those of superior age, status or wisdom. The older-than-you generations have learned a thing or two in their lifetimes and have worked hard to earn the respect of the younger generations. Whether you agree with those of superior status or not (ie government officials, school officials, law-enforcement officials, church officials, etc), they have their rank for a reason and it is better to treat them with respect and work WITH them rather than complain about your disagreements. Those with greater wisdom generally know what they're talking about a bit more than the common person, and as such we must seek to understand them and how they've gained their wisdom.

Lesson 2: Humble yourself. This goes hand and hand with the previous appeal. Getting along with others in life often requires that we humble ourselves. We must understand that we don't know it all, we can't do it all, and we haven't been everywhere. We aren't God. Treating others as equals/superiors will enrich our life experiences greater than closing our hearts/minds to those we think are inferior.

Lesson 3: True respect requires a little love. This is probably the hardest lesson to embrace, but you can't entirely respect someone that you haven't learned to appreciate (and I dare say love). You don't have to agree with everything someone says or does, but you need to gain a little perspective and see others for their merits. I am a firm believer that there is good in everyone. Even if it is really deep deep down.

Go forth in humility. Much love always.

-M


*President Packer is the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
**Elder Nelson is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
More info on both men at lds.org