Reverence for God: It's an Attitude

Reverence is an unusual word for today's culture. You seldom hear the word, or witness its expression, simply because it's more than a word or expression – it's an attitude. Reverence as an attitude exemplifies a state of mind, one’s disposition, and character. To honor, respect, and hold in high regard are expressions of reverence.

Romans 13 tells us to submit to the authorities for they have been established by God and, as such, deserve our honor and respect. However, expressing reverence implies worship and adoration while also being humble and submissive. We are to show reverence to God only, for he alone deserves our worship.

It takes strength of character to humble oneself and be submissive. When we have an attitude of reverence, our heart and spirit are nurtured. As we choose to be nurturing, we choose to be kind and gentle, loving and patient, which is a step toward Christlikeness. This is what it means to have an attitude of reverence. It’s a choice to consider.  

_____________ 

The fruit of humility is reverence for the Lord, along with riches, and glory, and life.

~Proverbs 22:4 Wycliffe Bible 

But watch out! Be very careful never to forget what you have seen God doing for you. May his miracles have a deep and permanent effect upon your lives! Tell your children and your grandchildren about the glorious miracles he did...The Lord told me, “Summon the people before me and I will instruct them, so that they will learn always to reverence me, and so that they can teach my laws to their children.”

~Deuteronomy 4:9-10 The Living Bible

______________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

Develop an Attitude of Reverence for God

A person's attitude will eventually be revealed, whether it’s political, religious, or social. So it is with reverence. If we accept reverence as a virtue and then let it become a part of our being, there will be a powerful need to express it directed toward God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

God gave the Hebrew people the Ten Commandments as they were making their way to the Promised Land. They constructed a tent for worship with a designated area set aside as the Holy of Holies where a special priest could enter to offer a specific sacrifice. God’s purpose was to teach them reverence for a place and for himself.

Positive and negative attitudes begin developing early in childhood. Positive attitudes encourage appreciation for what is good and holy and directly influence a willingness to express reverence. Where there is heartfelt reverence for what is holy, pure, and praiseworthy, one’s judgmental and critical attitudes are less likely to dominate.  

______________

He gave them the following instructions: “You must perform your duties in reverence for the Lord, faithfully obeying him in everything you do.  

~2 Chronicles 19:9 Good News Bible

______________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

An Attitude of Heartfelt Reverence

Essential to communicating with the Lord God is developing an attitude of reverence. Attitude is more than an isolated thought or feeling. It's a state of mind that includes the intellect, a complexity of feelings, and all that’s perceived to be true and holy. Reverence as an attitude merges with adoration and love limited only by our humanity.

Positive and negative attitudes begin developing early in childhood. Positive attitudes encourage appreciation for what is good and holy and directly influence a willingness to express reverence. Where there is heartfelt reverence for what is holy, pure, and praiseworthy, one’s judgmental and critical attitudes are less likely to dominate.

An attitude of reverence must be put into action to insure it will remain a genuine response to the Lord God. The Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippian Christians to put into practice all they had learned from him. Reverence for God and whatever is praiseworthy must be practiced until it reflects your true self.  

_______________ 

Praise our God, all his servants and all people, both great and small, who have reverence for him!”

~Revelation 19:5 Good News Bible

 

The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things in daily life, and the God who is the source of peace and well-being will be with you.

~Philippians 4:9 Amplified Bible

______________ 

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.