I have known people who believe that they should be respected because of the position they hold. I still know people who believe that.
A man was elected to a local governing board. He finished third out of four people running–with three to be elected. He took office and claimed a “landslide victory with a mandate from the people.” Sorry, I called “bull” on that one.
Another man believed that myth of being respected because of being newly appointed to a leadership position. Then he became very good at what he did, and then gained respect.
Bill Hybels touched on this topic while discussing Proverbs. He said that you gain respect and influence only by adding value.
It’s not what position you have, it’s how much value you add. You can have influence far beyond your position simply by working hard and adding value to your organization, your community, people around you.
Proverbs 21:5–the plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to want.
Work hard at what you do. Add value wherever you go. Be diligent.
[As a side note: Web search engines are far too good. I don’t think I’ll use the “s-word” again. Over the course of a few days since I wrote on love and “s..” there have been at least 30 “comments” to the blog from sites that I would never link to–don’t want to use the “p” word, either. I find this simply amazing–and I don’t live under a rock. Fortunately I moderate comments so that the spam is diverted before it can be published.]
Faith Venture 
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