A Respecter Of Persons

A Respecter of Persons

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16

Art Rooney Sr. lived on the north side of Pittsburgh. Though he owned the Steelers and could have lived any lifestyle he wanted, he kept his feet on the ground. He walked to the stadium every day. He never moved out of his house, even as the neighborhood got rougher and his neighbors left for a better environment. He knew everybody in our organization, from the star quarterback to the cleaning staff, and made it clear that they were all important to the success of the team. Everyone in Pittsburgh knew he cared about the community and the people who lived in it.

Pittsburgh’s sanitation workers went on strike one year, and trash was piling up everywhere—except in front of Mr. Rooney’s house. Some of the workers went out of their way to pick up his trash, not as part of their job, but just because they wanted to. They cared for the man who seemed to care for so many others.

Too many people think they’ll get the respect they want if they drive the best car, spend the most money, hang out with the hottest people (whatever they are), or flash the most impressive bling. Somehow we started respecting things that aren’t really worthy of our respect. But true respect is earned by having integrity, providing for your family, being involved in the community, and working hard in an honest occupation. In my family, those who were older deserved respect for being good parents, grandparents, aunts, or uncles. It had nothing to do with impressing people and everything to do with human decency.

If you seek respect, seek the right kind—the respect that comes as a result of being honest, caring, and hardworking—and seek it for the right reasons.

Uncommon Key > True respect starts with the way you treat others, and it is earned over a lifetime of demonstrating kindness, honor, and dignity.