Deference has largely disappeared as the emerging generation has been taught by the mores of progressivism to diss their elders, showing contempt for them.

Deference is a foundational virtue. It reveals one's humility—that he is thoughtfully aware of others and seeking to serve them even in insignificant ways.

Solomon makes the subject of deference a major part of Ecclesiastes 8. Christians must always strive to see God behind those in power over us.

What is the proper balance between respecting someone and showing respect of persons? How should Christians treat each other in formality among church members?

These days, everyone demands respect but few are willing to grant it. It is a rare event when someone gives up his seat or when a child shows deference.

Much has been said and written about leadership in the church in the past several years. Godly leadership is an outworking of the virtue of meekness.

The indiscretions we commit in our youth have the invariable tendency to whip our hind ends. Even when God forgives, the piper will demand his fee.

The three illustrations in Luke 15 justify Christ's conduct in receiving sinners, and show that to rejoice over their return is good and proper.

Pride distorts our view of reality and our relationships. Being humble is not for the faint of heart, but requires God's Spirit operating in our lives.

Biblical figures such as Miriam, Job, and Zechariah illustrate the dangers of questioning of God's sovereignty or authority.

In the matter of deference to civil authority, we must remember that we must give governing officials respect, even though they may be the basest of men.

We are not privy to God's, but we must realize that He has the prerogative to impose both blessings and calamity, the latter in response to disobedience.

Ecclesiastes was to be read during the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing a state of temporariness, as God's people were commanded to live in temporary quarters.

Paul fought against discord by reminding the brethren that the church is united in Christ, and that He requires His followers to show love to each other.

We have the commission to be witnesses to a corrupt society. It is in the closeness of the crowd that we have the greatest potential to grow spiritually.

As husband and wife are commanded to become one flesh, members of the Bride of Christ become spiritually unified through the indwelling of God's Spirit.