R-e-s-p-e-c-t

When we read biblical accounts of people who saw the glory of God, they are often bowing down in reverence and hiding their eyes because it is so wonderful and great. Yet that response is far removed from our experience today. All that used to be considered sacred, whether people, places, even concepts like marriage and childhood, are regularly devalued and ridiculed in contemporary culture.

We must give our children not just knowledge of what the word holy means but tangible practices where they can come to understand that some things are sacred and set apart, deserving of our reverence and worship.

Consequently, as we begin the training of our little children’s hearts and souls, we must figure out how to convey to them that life is not about us but about pleasing, serving, loving, worshiping, and living for the very One who is the Lord of the universe, the Creator of the world, and the King forever.

One way to implement a sense of reverence and holiness in the lives of our children is teaching them that there are places to use “quiet voices and respectful hearts”—like in church, at concerts, at funerals, at graduations, at recitals. Before you go into these places, talk to your children about your expectations ahead of time.

If this is not built into your children’s daily life, when it comes to adulthood, there will be no pattern, no practiced understanding of what it means to love and obey our Lord with wholehearted devotion.

His Promises

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.

You must keep my Sabbath days of rest and show reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD.

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom.

Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.