This is John Calvin's thoughts on some preachers complaining that they get no honor from the common folk:

“Thus we learn how foolish and ridiculous it is for people to complain that they receive no honour, when in fact there is nothing about them that is worth honouring, but rather they expose themselves to contempt by their ignorance, the example of their impure lives, their lightmindedness and other faults. The only way to win respect is by outstanding virtues which will protect us against contempt.” (Calvin)

Those words would be good things to bear in mind when assuming an office of any kind - public or private.