The Meaning of Dignity

There is a word in our language not often talked of, but one of much meaning. The word is “dignity.” In dictionary definition it is associated with character and quality, intrinsic worth; nobleness, honor, excellence. These are words of much meaning.

As children of God, made in His own image, the human race should never fail to carry the quality of dignity. Nor can one imagine the Savior of mankind in any other role than that of dignity. This does not mean stiff or strained formality, not “front” or “frumpiness” or artificiality, or long-faced living, but a naturalness and happiness, and ease of approach⎯respect without aloofness⎯the respect which everyone is entitled to and has an obligation to give all others. In a day of extremes, of fads, of looseness, lack of restraint and lack of respect for law, we well could emphasize this quality of dignity which so easily associates itself with honor and honesty and high qualities of character.

There is both dignified and undignified humor. There is raucous, loud-mouthed humor, uncouth humor. There is evil, offensive humor. And there is high-minded, delightful humor.

There is the dignity of cleanliness and tasteful grooming, and the careless indignity of unkempt hair and clothes and acts and attitudes. There are undignified extreme contrasted with modest good taste. Extremes are seldom dignified, seldom durable, seldom really sensible. “When we go too far it is seldom in the right direction.”

Included in dignity is the question of courtesy. “Life is not so short,” said Emerson, “but there is always time enough for courtesy.” Discourtesy is always undignified. Sin is never dignified, but leads to depravity of soul.

We come back to this basic fact: That men should respect themselves, should respect one another and should respect their relationship to God, to truth, to law, and should respect whatever lifts men’s lives, and should shun whatever lowers men’s lives.

If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report . . . we [should] seek after these things”⎯with dignity and happiness, honor and honesty.