“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

• If I have money, then I will have respect.
• I have money.
• Therefore, I will have respect.

Logically its an argument. Let’s make the standard Truth Table for P -> Q, where P is “I have money” and Q is “I will be respected.”

P	Q	P -> Q
True	True	True
True	False	False
False	True	True
False	False	True

Logically the only time the argument is false is when I have money yet I don’t have respect. That’s not a hard concept to grasp. There is evidence of that for anyone who has money.

Let’s make another statement.

• If I design some outstanding software, then I will have respect.
• I designed some outstanding software.
• Therefore, I will have respect.

And another one.

• If I have a nice truck, then I will have respect.
• I have a nice truck.
• Therefore, I will have respect.

The same truth table holds so I won’t display it again. Always the only time the statement is false is I have done something I or my focus group should see as respectable, yet I won’t have respect.

Obviously, in the most logical of senses this statement can and will be incorrect. So what would make this true for all cases? Or better what would gain respect and not alienate us from those who don’t hold our view or product in the highest regard like we do. I see this transitioning into marketing. “Look how good this is,” “These are the people who are respectable within our circle of influence.” “What can we change that retains the respect of current customers, yet assimilates new customers?” Maybe assimilates is a derogatory term in this sense. In my case there is an issue I have with conformity to some product or idea as a whole. “If I choose Android, I won’t be respected by Apple.” It most definitely is rooted in jealousy. I surely hope to have a product or idea to bring to the table to go to market with someday. Instead I choose to act like a child, “If had that product or idea, I would do it this way!”

Even Jesus wasn’t respected in his own hometown. He even said it before there was any problem, but He knew their thoughts. “Who is this guy? Isn’t that so and so’s son? He’s a nobody! What does he know!” Isn’t that revealing of themselves? How they feel about themselves. Isn’t jealousy an emotion that could fuel anger enough to drive someone off the cliff?

Where should we attain respect? How do we strive for it? In most lives its answered by something you like to do, fueled by a desire, to be judged by those you deem respectable. This works for most cases. It will also prove how much of a roller coaster this can be if we wan’t to maintain respect. Eventually respect, or at least the proper definition of it, is lost. Maybe the fuel for our desire was to get revenge on someone or some product.

So what should be the fuel for our desire? I’m interested in exactly that as well. For any new product or idea I have, what foundation should it build upon that is sustainable. That doesn’t alienate someone or their idea. Let’s ask God, in Jesus’ name.

Is it worth gaining respect from those who are fueled by jealousy or envy? Have you ever found yourself trying to be humble and “bring yourself down to their level” to show them how much “you care” or “understand.”

Have a blessed day and please leave a comment!