How do you treat people of other faiths? You think their doctrine is incorrect, and they feel the same way about yours. Is this a reason to hold them in contempt? But you are called to love everyone, and that is inconsistent with this. If you show them kindness, will they think that you agree with them? If you are mean will they take it as rejection? Which is the greater risk? Can you show respect for their essential humanity without agreeing with their positions? How would you have an opening for a dialogue if you don’t?

Do you know the difference between dignity and respect? They are related, but you get respect from others and generate your own dignity. Do you feel that you get a sufficient amount of respect? You can’t force others to give this to you, but only you can decide to conduct yourself with the dignity that commands respect. Do you think of dignity as being grim and somber? David’s wife accused him of being undignified when he danced before me. He replied that he would be yet more undignified (you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!) But what did he do that was more dignified than to worship me?

If you have a job, you may look at it only as a way to earn money. But do you derive anything from it besides money? What about a sense of accomplishment that gives you dignity and respect? This isn’t going to appear on your paycheck, but do you understand the value of it? What if you were given the same amount of money to sit idle and do nothing? Man does not live by bread alone, and a task can bring multiple rewards. If you were independently wealthy and  released from the necessity to earn money to support yourself, what would you do to satisfy your need for accomplishment?

You have a unique set of fingerprints that I gave you. It was a great advancement in criminal investigation to realize this, and that people left unique identifiers on everything they touched. Do you think I have fingerprints too? An artisan leaves fingerprints on the things he makes, and there is no difference with me. Fingerprints may not be obvious to the casual observer, but they can be seen by those who look diligently for them. Do you see my fingerprints on everything I made? I signed my work. They are on everything I made, including you and all other people.