7 Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the Hittites.
Showing proper respect takes many forms in many different cultures. In many militaries around the world a salute is rendered to the higher ranking person who then returns the salute. We use titles like Mr. President, the Honorable, Doctor, and Mayor to render proper respect. Some people teach their children to say, “Yes ma’am” and “Yes sir.” Men often show respect for women by opening doors for them (at least during the dating period). We show respect for each other by looking at someone when they talk to us and acknowledging that we are listening. We tell kids to “look at me” when we don’t feel they are giving proper respect. We sometimes gently hold their faces as we talk to be sure they are paying attention and respect. We don’t appreciate looks and gestures that demonstrate disrespect. Hand motions like “talk to the hand” and the middle finger salute demonstrate a lack of respect. Abraham is working to find a suitable place to bury his wife after a long marriage. He is in a land not his own where he doesn’t own property. He wants to purchase land. The people living there honor him by offering him their land to bury his wife. He is humbled and bows to the people. He shows by his actions what he is feeling in his heart. He is thankful for their kindness in this most difficult time and shows that thankfulness by bowing. We need to find and use ways of expressing respect in our culture. I always find it respectful when I am with someone and their cell phone rings and, they either don’t answer it, or answer it and ask if they can return it later. This shows me that they respect me, the person right in front of them. I have seen the looks of so many people when an important conversation gets interrupted by the other person’s cell phone. Only transplant surgeons who are on duty have this type of urgency. What is even worse is when the conversation drags on with laughter and lightness, and all the while the other person sits in silence and pain. I am sure you will see this today if you look for it. The hurting person present gets pushed aside by the person on the other end of the phone, regardless of the importance of the conversation. I hope you don’t do this! Respect is a small thing that shouts volumes about the actual value we give to the relationship and the person. Learn to give more respect today!
The Arnold Journey 