God In Effigy

Who do you respect? You may be surprised to learn, if you haven’t taken note of it already, that the Bible instructs us to respect everyone.

“Show proper respect to everyone”   1Peter 2:17

I love it when the Bible makes such absolute inclusive statements. Does it really mean everyone?! Really? That’s what it says. But, how can that be? It is a clear indication of the basis for respect. For we certainly can’t respect everyone for what they do, what they can do or what they have done. So, how can we respect everyone? What is the basis for this respect that leaves not even the most base of us out? The kind of respect that recognizes the dignity of all human life is based on our being created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26,27) So the respect of which the Bible speaks is not about our doing but about our being. This is profoundly important and is something that is not part of  a secular or naturalist (read evolutionary) world view. It is distinctly biblical.

One of the strongest examples of this principle in Scripture also comes early in the biblical record. When God speaks to Noah after the global flood, His message to him includes this statement:

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.”  Genesis 9:6

The clear implication of this passage is that our actions (and I would argue for attitudes as well … see the Sermon on the Mount for example) towards our fellow human beings is ultimately considered by God to be either for or against God Himself. That is to say, He takes it personally. God’s own words to Noah make it clear that to kill another human being is to kill God in effigy. Further, we can extrapolate from that, with biblical warrant, that to show disrespect for another human being; any human being, is ultimately to disrespect God. And, conversely, when we show respect for human life we are in fact honouring God.  

Here is the simple truth – every human being deserves a measure of respect. We don’t have to respect their choices. We don’t have to hang out with them or include them in our circle of friends. We don’t even have to like them. But we do need to remember to show a basic respect for human dignity and worth. And it doesn't stop there. It goes on, and on, and on... you can't love God and hate people.