Do not be disrespectful!

SCRIPTURE: Acts 22:30-23:5
“For it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’” (Acts 23:5)
Jesus followers should not be disrespectful, they should speak the truth in love.
If Paul was disrespectful for calling the high priest a ‘whitewashed wall’, what about Jesus?

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” (Matthew 23:27-28)

Jesus calls a spade a spade, but at this point He is not being accused in religious court.
He is teaching, and His words are meant to convict, convince and convert.
But when He stands before the religious leaders, He speaks with reserve and respect.
The high priest was wrong, both in his heart and in his actions, but Paul still needs to show respect.
“Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (Romans 13:7)
Recently an accused terrorist refused to respect the court because he could only be judged by the Koran.
His antics got him thrown from court… which only made his beliefs look foolish and disrespectful.
When challenged as a Jesus follower, speak the truth but speak it in love.
Don’t get mixed up in argument and accusation; speak your piece, and let God vindicate you.
And maybe, like Jesus, even the judge will recognize that you are innocent.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, may I be respectful to the police, to politicians, and to our government leaders, even when they are wrong. May they see in me a better example of how one ought to deal with disagreement and differences.