Can I Get Some Respect?

I am not a VIP. I am not a Big Man. I am a simple pastor who just tries to spend my time making and helping friends journey together with Jesus. I have twice had the privilege of a conversation with Rwanda's President Paul Kagame. On my last occasion I asked President Kagame about what he saw the role of faith based organizations to be in Rwanda's development. He responded that a key role was to teach about human dignity. It seemed like very wise advice. In a country traumatized by so many horrific events it can become easy to always conclude that one will be a victim. Vision, creativity, and responsibility are crushed in a nation of victims. Also, human rights can be easily trampled on those who see themselves on unworthy. I agree a key role of the faith community is to restore a lost sense of human dignity to those who see themselves as victims.

This Sunday I will conclude our teaching on From Crisis to Opportunity: A Study of the Habits and Values of Entrepreneurs Who Build the Institutions of Our Communities. The last topic we have received from the Ministry of Local Government is Self - Respect.

Though this concept of human dignity and self-respect can feel very contemporary it is one of the oldest concepts of human description. When God chose to create man, God described man as "made in our image." Thus how I treat others is a reflection of how I treat God. We are all worthy of dignity and respect for God has placed His very nature into our being. We are not God, but we are like Him in many ways. We are spiritual beings designed for eternity. We are beings who crave relationships designed for community.

When faced with the most difficult ethical dilemmas of our day our response should be to treat others as we would like to be treated. Thus we display the love and justice of God.

This concept of human dignity has transformed nations. It has taken them from backward ignorant collections of cruel humanity and inspired them to excel in ethics, art, technology, and commerce. Without human dignity democracy would be an impossible dream.

I'm eager to share more thoughts in this transforming discussion. I will look forward to seeing many of you this coming Sunday.

Imana ikurinde,

Dave Jenkins

P.S. If you enjoy walking / running please join us this coming Sunday as our CCR Run / Walk Club begins. Please bring 300 Rwanda Francs to cover the cost of water and bananas afterwards.