Think, for a moment, of an older man you respect. What is it that you respect about him? Is it the way he talks with intentionality? How he listens intently? Is it his care or his company? What makes you respect him?
In a sense, it’s all the above, and more. This quality that engenders respect encompasses his whole life. Everything he does is wrapped up in this characteristic. And it’s captured in one word in Scripture: dignity.
The Greeks used the adjective “semnos” to describe all manner of things exalted, majestic, and regal. The gods, of course, were “semnos,” as were imperial thrones. Beautiful music, powerful oratory, and staggering architecture also received the label “semnos.” Similarly, it was used to describe people – often older men and women – who commanded respect. In essence, it was that quality which evokes reverence in others. Here’s how one theological dictionary describes it:
“A thing is σεμνός if the signs of a higher order may be detected in it. In man the orderliness perceived in his attitude and behaviour is felt to be σεμνότης, with an ineffaceable trend towards seriousness and solemnity.” (TDNT, “σεβομαι,” Foerster)
The apostle Paul used the term “semnos” and the related noun “semnotes” a combined seven times, and mostly to describe men and women in his pastoral letters to Timothy and Titus. Here are a few of his uses:
1 Timothy 3:4 “He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive . . .”
1 Timothy 3:8 “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.”
Titus 2:2 “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.”
Titus 2:7 “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity . . .”
You’ll notice in those passages that Paul describes elders, deacons, older men, and his apostolic representative as necessary representatives of this quality. In order for the leadership and servants of the church to elicit reverence for God, they must command respect in their own character. The church should be marked by men and women of great dignity.
So, what does dignity look like in living color? You’ve seen it before, but how can you describe its practical effect? What kind of behavior, or better, what kind of motives characterizes a man of dignity?
Dignity is Unswerving
A man of dignity knows where he is going and why. There’s an obvious sense of direction to a dignified person, and that direction is from the Lord. He is assured without being self-assured. He’s confident without being self-confident. He’s a man on a mission from heaven, and he cannot be deterred.
Think of an older man you would describe as dignified, and then ask yourself: How often have you seen him change his aims in life? A dignified man is characterized by settled convictions about what matters most. He doesn’t bend with the trends or go with the flow. The man of dignity is willing to receive correction to his plans, to be sure, but not God’s. Where God has pointed him, he will go.
Do you have a settled conviction of God’s direction in your life? I’m not talking about where you’ll live or what job you’ll have, though those are important. I mean the things that matter most. Do you know what God wants most for you? A man or woman of dignity has found those answers in God’s Word and holds them fast.
Dignity is Unselfish
Not only is dignity godward in its ends but also in its beginning. The man of dignity is motivated by a desire to do spiritual good in the world. He desires to be a blessing to those around him, to be an agent of sanctification and joy in Jesus. In a word, he is driven by love.
In contrast, the undignified man is driven by selfish lusts. He pursues cheap pleasures. He is consumed with money. You’ll hear him talk about the latest movie, his recent purchase, or his promotion at work. And he’s always talking. Unsatisfied, he leeches joy from the people around him.
On the other hand, dignity gives. He is generous with his watch, his wallet, his ear, and his heart. He moves toward need, not away from it. His front door is open, and his table is full. He is financially responsible and open-handed. He looks for ways to care for people in conversations and then does. Dignity genuinely believes that “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). What motives drive you?
Dignity is Unaffected
In the end, dignity values the approval of God over all. His praise is from God, not man (Rom 2:29). Paul describes this attitude in 1 Corinthians 4:3-4:
“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.”
Is it a small thing to you for others to think you’re . . . let’s say, interesting? Intelligent? Informed? Why do you use humor in a conversation: to serve the other person, or to win their approval? Do you shy from evangelistic conversations because you’re worried what they will think? Are you crippled with social fear?
Or, like the dignified man, does your strong confidence come from God’s approval in Jesus Christ? Are you most pleased when you know that God is most pleased? Do you rejoice simply to know that your name is written in heaven (Luke 10:20)? Can you sing with Luther, “Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also, the body they may kill, God’s truth abideth still?”
Who is this unimpeachable man of profound dignity? He’s Christ, of course. Jesus earned respect from all those around him, even his enemies. Our Savior is the epitome of dignity.
Eternally, the saints will sing about Christ’s glorious dignity with the refrain, “Worthy!” Jesus is worthy of all respect. He is our perfect example of peerless dignity. May we become more like our Savior in his strength, with his dignity, and for his everlasting praise.