Articles
RESPECT AND REVERENCE
Many changes have taken place in the last 50 plus years, especially in our country. When I was a boy growing up one of the things taught me was to RESPECT others and their property. This it seems has been replaced on a large part by DISRESPECT. We were taught to say THANK YOU AND YOU'R WELCOME when appropriate in our interaction with others. How much do you see that nowadays? We see anger, hatred, and all sorts of demonstrations causing destruction and contempt on others and property. Criminal action is watered down or disguised in order to say we have "our rights" in some way. Doesn't matter what it does to our neighbor.
As Christians, we have been instructed to FEAR God. The word fear carries with it the meaning of both love and RESPECT for Him. This is an expression of our love and trust as well as acknowledging His power. "And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather FEAR HIM who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28)
Often we are told in the Scriptures to FEAR GOD. Upon summing up all he has said in the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon has this to say:
"The conclusion, when all has been heard, is FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, because this applies to every person. Because God will bring every act to judgment, every thing which is hidden, whether it is good or evil." ( Ecclesiastes 12:13,14)
"I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has worked that men should FEAR HIM." (Ecclesiastes 3:14)
"By faith, Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, IN REVERENCE prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith." (Hebrews 11:7) We all know the outcome of Noah's faith, and obedience to God and His Word. You might like to read the first few verses of Genesis chapter 7.
We learn, by considering these several Scriptures (examples) how many have always expressed reverence and fear towards God. Goes anyone deserve more RESPECT AND REVERENCE than the God who created us? He is our maker, sustainer, and savior. He is the One who loved us enough to send us a Savior and promise a home eternally in heaven with Him. Many other Scriptures could be noted to show our need to FEAR God, and also have RESPECT for fellow man. However, I think the ones we have shown are sufficient to make the point. Let us FEAR Him and show RESPECT for others, even though many around us do not. Thank you for listening.
Ross
