We often give individuals respect in relation to their demeanour or status

By ANNE ANJAO-eboi

I often wonder why we quickly rise to our feet to greet some people with both hands extended, but hardly look up when others greet us. Why would two human beings elicit different reactions from a cross section of people?

Chances are that rank, status, wealth and the like distinguish us from one another. A cleaner will quickly stand erect in front of his boss while a bodyguard will almost somersault to get ahead of the one he is protecting.

I understand the strata we have created in society, such that others receive more respect than others. However, I do not understand why we almost trip on ourselves when certain ‘important’ people appear on the scene.

I see this a lot in the village, where some people esteem those from the city. Perhaps city dwellers don more sophisticated attire, speak better English and Kiswahili, are better educated and seem to have a more polished demeanour.

Then we have the office setting where junior employees may feel inadequate when placed side by side with senior employees. For instance, suppose the firm has taken its employees on a team building session, chances are those who feel inferior may not volunteer to perform tasks they feel are better performed by their seniors.

I believe the worst ‘pedestaling’ happens in places of worship, where priests, pastors etc are sometimes held in such high regard that it amounts to idol worship. While there is nothing wrong with showing affection for our spiritual fathers and mothers, there is everything wrong when we accord them the status reserved only for the Lord Almighty.

I was once invited to a women’s conference where I realised I was sitting among a group of people brainwashed enough to idolise a mere human being. Speaker after speaker implored us to show ‘Mama’ some respect by bringing her our best materials so she could shine. One speaker said it was time ‘Mama’ stopped driving her Rav 4 because God was getting ready to put her in a Bentley, Cadillac or Range Rover. We were asked to consider this our duty.

IDOLS

Things came to a head when we were told we should be ashamed for not moving ‘Mama’ from her residence in Karen to Runda or Kitisuru. I was confused. I had thought there was no difference in these areas. I looked around me in panic, wondering whether anyone else felt the same, but those around me were lost in some kind of frenzy.

Sometimes, I wonder whether people know they are committing sin. No one should take the place of God for He has declared He will not share his glory with another. When the Israelites turned to worship idols, God did not spare them. He punished not only them but their descendants.

We must understand that we don’t help those whom we place on pedestals. We make them feel perfect, yet none is perfect apart from God.

Remember, to God, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised. All are mortals who will one day return to dust when their time in the world is up. Everyone, no matter their perceived status, is a human being first, so quit erecting pedestals.