There is an old saying that appears across cultures, religions, and generations:“Treat others the way you wish to be treated.”We often call it the Golden Rule.

A Sermon on Respect, Humility, and Living What We Say.

Today I want to talk about something simple, but not easy. Something we all understand in theory, but often fail to live out in practice. And that is respect—how we treat others, how we carry ourselves when we have influence, and how our actions reveal the truth about our character.

There is an old saying that appears across cultures, religions, and generations:“Treat others the way you wish to be treated.”We often call it the Golden Rule, but it’s more than a nice phrase—it is a mirror. It reflects who we really are.

Respect is not about status.Respect is not about titles, money, position, or power.Respect is about how you treat people when you don’t have to be kind, when no one is watching, when you think you are in control.

Anyone can be polite when it benefits them. True respect shows up when it costs you something.

Too often, people change when they gain power. A little authority, a little attention, a little control and suddenly humility disappears. We forget where we came from. We forget who helped us. We forget that leadership is not about being above others, but about being responsible for how others are affected by us.

Power was never meant to make us bigger.Power was meant to make us better.

If power goes to your head, it’s a sign that humility was never in your heart. Because real strength doesn’t need to shout. Real confidence doesn’t need to intimidate. Real leadership doesn’t crush people it lifts them.

Respect means listening when you could interrupt.Respect means correcting without humiliating.Respect means disagreeing without demeaning.Respect means remembering that every person you encounter is fighting a battle you may know nothing about.

We must remember this: people are not objects, stepping stones, or disposable tools. They are human beings with dignity, value, and worth.

And let me say this clearly—words alone mean nothing without action.

You can say you care. You can say you’re fair.

You can say you’re a leader.

But if your actions are harsh, dismissive, arrogant, or cruel, then your words are empty noise. Actions speak louder than words because actions reveal what we truly believe.

You don’t show respect by what you claim.

You show respect by how you behave.

If you demand respect but don’t give it, you’re not a leader—you’re a bully.If you expect grace but refuse to give it, you’re not strong—you’re entitled.If you want loyalty but show no compassion, you’re not inspiring—you’re controlling.

The way you treat people who can do nothing for you says everything about who you are.

And here’s the truth many don’t want to hear: how you treat others today is how you will be remembered tomorrow.

Titles fade.

Positions change.

Power passes.

But the impact you leave on people’s lives that lasts.

So before you speak, ask yourself: Would I want to be spoken to this way?Before you act, ask yourself: Would I want to be treated this way?Before you use your authority, ask yourself: Am I serving others, or serving my ego?

Because one day, we will all stand on equal ground. And in that moment, it won’t matter how high we climbed it will matter how well we loved, how fairly we treated others, and how faithfully we lived what we preached.

Let us be people whose actions match our words, whose power is guided by humility, and whose respect for others reflects the respect we hope to receive.

Treat people how you wish to be treated.Keep your ego in check.Let your actions speak truth.

That is not just good advice. That is the foundation of character.

Father Paris Haines.