With Awe and Reverence

     Ten years ago, my husband and I took an anniversary trip to Europe.  We flew first to Scotland and then drove into England to see the sights.  I had always dreamed of going there one day as I loved English Literature studies both in high school and college.  The old castles, the magnificent cathedrals, and the rich history made this a trip never to be forgotten, but the greatest highlight was a tour of Buckingham Palace.  When the queen is away, the palace is opened to the public for tours.  We happened to be fortunate enough to come at such a time.  

     To say the palace was beautiful is an understatement.  Pictures of previous royals hung on the walls as well as other breathtaking decorations.  I imagined what it would be like to meet the queen herself.  We certainly were not dressed to meet her that day, and it made me think about the kind of clothes that would be appropriate.  There is a certain protocol for such an event in order to show your respect. Most of us would wear our nicest clothing (no shorts and T-shirts here) and be on our best behavior.  After all, we are meeting someone very special!

     As I reflected on this memory, it made me wonder why we do not treat church in much the same way?  Each week, we have the privilege of entering the Lord's sanctuary to gather with other saints to worship our King.  Do we come with an attitude of reverence?  Praise?  Giving our full attention to the Lord?  I was taught as a child that Sunday meant we wore our very best to church to honor God. Then, when we entered the sanctuary, we were to think on His Word in an attitude of reverence.  That did not mean we could not greet others, but our first and foremost duty was to prepare our hearts to hear Him.  Visiting with others was reserved for after the service.  I realize that times have changed and people, in general, take things much more casually today.  In fact, some folks look like they have just walked off the golf course.  If shorts are all you have to wear, then don't let that keep you from coming to God's House, but let us
put things into perspective.

     Scripture tells us how to approach the Lord.  Psalm 29:1-2 says:  "1 Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."  Then in the letter to the Romans, Paul tells us to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice:  "1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:1-2).  In these two sets of verses, we learn that we must give God the glory as we enter His House of worship.  We demonstrate our respect and love for Him by not conforming to the way of the world but by offering up our lives to Him in service and praise.  Sometimes, I think we have lost the sense of awe before the Lord.  We come there to make Him the center of our attention and to encourage one another.

     If we were to meet Queen Elizabeth, we would wear our best clothes, show respect for her position, and be on our best behavior.  Yet, we often forget this when we come before the King of Kings on a Sunday.  Entering a House of Worship is a blessing and an opportunity to commune with Him and one another.  We must not take it lightly as though it were just another activity.  He wants us to worship Him in spirit and in truth.  It all starts in our heart through prayer, Bible study and a sincere desire to grow in His grace.  Let us give Him our best in worship as we sing, pray and study His Word.  Selah!