Reverence

R. D. Rice wrote this short piece which appeared in the October 15, 1970 edition of the "Bible Herald", a paper published by the Bible Herald Corporation in Parkersburg, West Viriginia.

What is the true meaning of the word "reverence"? When we use this word, we often equate "silence" with "reverence." Why do we take our model for worship from the awesome stillness of a funeral service? Is this what Paul meant when he said that everything should be done decently and in order?

Webster's Dictionary defines reverence as, "A feeling or attitude of deep respect, love, awe, and esteem, as for something sacred." The verb form: "A manifestation of that, specifically, an act of respect or obeisance, as a bow or curtsy."

The Old Testament idea of reverence seems to include the idea of fear in the sense of being awed by the presence of one so great as the living God. Yet it is plain their idea of reverence was not one of complete silence. True, the Psalmist says, "I was dumb with silence." Habakkuk says, "But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him."

When Christ came in the flesh one of the things He taught us was a new conception of God. Not an image of a stern, wrathful, vengeful God who was determined to destroy the human race. Rather, Christ pictures a God who through love sends His Son as a sacrifice of atonement, so that those who believe and obey will be saved. Fear is not the proper motive for serving God. The apostle John says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love" (First John 4:18). Therefore, true reverence for God cannot be based on fear (terror). The fear of death is not a substitue for the love of God. For this reason, reverence which God will accept MUST be based upon love!

The early Christians were both informal and spiritual. A key idea in the minds of those people was "coming bodly to the throne of grace." After all, God was their Father. Here is a vital difference between Christianity and the other religions of the world. God is our Father! He is not someone far, far away who is out of touch with the cares, woes and nees of humanity. Even though He is King, the Supreme Ruler of the universe, He is not merely one who demands our obedience and worship. He is our Father; one whom we are able to both love warmly and respect (reverence). He is near and dear to us.

Our attitude of reverence will be as a child to a father. And as our own little children come lovingly to us, we will go to our Father who is in Heaven. This is what God desires; that we love Him and keep His commandments because of our love for Him.

What is reverence? It is the expresison of our belief in God, which is seen in the life we live. It is shown in our concern for the weak and helpless. It is shown by our following the pattern in the "Sermon on the Mount." It is shown by our worshipping in "spirit and in truth." It is the expression of our entire life.