This is the verse that my English teacher shared with us today during morning assembly, for the month's theme is respect. Recently in an article we can see that Singapore is ranked the 30th most courteous country out of 35 - which basically means that we Singaporeans aren't courteous at all. To have no courtesy would mean we do not respect people enough.

Respect isn’t all about courtesy though. If we are not punctual, be it for appointments or handing in work, we disrespect the time we have; and not only our time, but others’ time as well. If we break the rules for whichever place we’re in, we disrespect the authorities of the place and the people in it.

I think it’s really sad that we, even as Christians, can be wanting in this area, adults and youth alike. Yet, we are to be the light that leads people to God. How can we do that if we don’t even respect each other in the first place? Not to mention unbelievers…

What was sadder still was that I can see that nothing went into the heads of many of those in the school – even the teachers. Disrespect continues to be displayed countless times despite the sharing that morning. I suppose we do deserve to be ranked so 30th in the list.

Oh Lord. Teach me to be respectful, to put others before myself. Forgive me for the countless times I’ve disobeyed Your word by being disrespectful. Also, help my friends to learn respect. For by respecting Your creation, do we respect You.
Amen.