IN any society, right and wrong precedents are set and they quickly define human behaviour when it relates with political office.
President Edgar Lungu has been attacked on various platforms; some media houses, the opposition and other critics, have at great lengths shown disrespect to the Head of State.
In reaction, President Lungu has called for respect to be accorded to the Presidency – not himself but the Office and this is a standard practice in any sovereign State.
Others may argue that such calls for respect mean silencing opponents from airing their views but it is not the case.
Most countries, developed or underdeveloped have a code on how citizens express themselves publicly as regards the Office of the President.
Without circling round the block, it is the duty of any Zambian citizen to respect the Office of the President of Zambia much like a Sergeant shows respect to a Lieutenant’s rank, despite the fact that
he is usually older and wiser – just like a Lieutenant may disagree with and even hate his Colonel, but still shows respect due to the rank.
It doesn’t matter if one disagrees with or hate the occupant of the Office, Zambians need to show respect towards it.
It is precedence like these that bring the image of the country into ridicule, just like in a home, the family will respect the head of the house and will not utter with spite anything against such a head, let alone a husband or wife will defend their spouse, no matter the depth of their differences.
This is a basic rule of a firm foundation in a home, so it is to a nation.
The occupant of the Presidency represents the vast majority of Zambians and discharges duties without bias, hence unwarranted attacks are only directed at Zambians themselves, for they are the electorate.
One day another leader will step in the same office and it will be a shame that this trend should continue even decades after Independence.
Lessons can be drawn from former United States President George W. Bush, who explained that he has avoided publicly criticising President Barack Obama because he feels it would undermine the Office of the Presidency.
However humanly speaking, the ultimate political authority in the New Testament context was the Emperor and yet, the Apostle Peter specifically calls the people of Christ not only to show submission to
the emperor “as supreme” but also to “governors” (1 Peter 2:13-14).
The Apostle Paul calls on the churches to pray and to show thanksgiving for “kings” (plural) and for “all who are in high positions”.
Biblical history shows that the Apostle Paul imitated this when he showed due respect to the governor Felix, referring to him with the honorific title “his Excellency, the governor” (Acts 23:26), even as he appealed his way up through the political process of the Roman Empire of his time.
Paul showed thanksgiving for Felix, despite his part in a system with which Paul disagreed at some important points, for his “reforms” for the common good.
As a country anchored on Christian values, it is important that unity of purpose is exhibited.
As a united people, Zambians should not give themselves to terms of disrespect, or every crazy conspiracy-theory that floats in their midst.
However this does not mean slavish obedience. In a democratic republic, the President and his government, govern by the consent of the governed and in turn the governed render prayers
for good health and wisdom for their leaders.
This is the spirit in which all Zambians should live, that of love and mutual respect, where there is discontent on national matters, leaders of opposition and other concerned parties know better than to issue attacks in the vacuum, when avenues to seek audiences with those in authority are plenty and widely accessible.
There will be only one Zambia, one president to lead the nation at any given time and it does not reflect respect that a rhythm of unwarranted attacks becomes part of society and culture.  OPINION