I've watched this from childhood and firsthand: honor without accountability distorts the truth. We all see it. Privilege that separates destroys us. Disgrace abounds among public figures. Life after "admired life" is cut short because the limelight burns too close. How many families of every sphere are destroyed by the abuse of power and addiction to esteem?
On Facebook today, I warned about treating our leaders like idols. I specified those in uniform because of the relativity to some of my own experiences. However, we must watch how we show respect to any leader, be they soldier, preacher, actor, teacher, politician. Whether highly visible or not, when someone is given the responsibility of a role, a title, a uniform, we must not place them on a pedestal. Set them up on a ledge, we set them up for a fall.
These people are people. Like you, like me, with purpose and potential, they are still broken, messy, flawed, prideful people. By holding them too high, at arms length, we isolate them and leave them to their own defenses, distorting their place in the community. We dishonor them. Want to give what you believe is due them? Then, more than hollow recognition, give them your friendship. Work alongside them, to thank them, hear them, care for them, pray for them. Hold them accountable, but never out of reach. Follow, but never blindly.
Another distortion is disregard. Countless leaders (like the common person and the destitute) will never get recognition in pay or with publicity, but they're no less worthy of respect. There are those in our families, at our workplaces and on our streets whose existence we distort by our indifference. Enacting outright discrimination is a problem that goes unsaid. No, we must consider the disparity of when the only lives shown sincere regard are the ones in blue, the ones in the womb or the ones that look just like me or you. Call apathy its mother. Such an aberration ignites terror, war, genocide!
Be not a respecter of persons but respect life itself. Every life. Be mindful of yourself and open up. Fight every prejudice within. Stop drawing dividing lines with your words and attitudes. Every good cause can embolden the next. Mourn those who die alone, grieve the forgotten. Listen to the broken-hearted as well as the enraged. They're the same. Notice someone you have never noticed. I repeat, thank them, hear them, care for, support and befriend them as you do your leaders and those revered by the masses.
This kind of honor is the pedestal. In its proper place, it will serve as a foundation for all of society, all of humanity to be built on. Then, all that is living might have a chance to flourish.
Life is a gift that belongs to all. Honor it by honoring all.
