And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of the, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul (Deuteronomy 10:12).
Everyone loves and desires respect, simply because we are human. Respect means to think favorably of someone or something, showing esteem or honor. Some people will go to extreme measures to gain the respect they think they deserve.
Displaying respect and honor can be demonstrated in many ways, such as through obedience. When we are obedient and our will conforms to God’s requirements, reverence for God is unleashed. On the other hand, when disrespect is demonstrated, offensiveness and a lack of courtesy are apparent. Adam and Eve were the first to display disrespect for the Most High God, and they did it through rebellion. When they chose to disobey God, they paid an enormous price for the cause of their disrespect!
Inanimate objects are frequently viewed with respect, such as the National Flag and the National Anthem. If these earthly things can be reverenced, how much more should our Heavenly Father be appropriately respected. Our God, who is so Majestic that there is no earthly comparison to Him, deserves respect. And, just as humans are glad when they are honored or highly esteemed, so is our God when He is rightfully honored and respected.
Respect is critical to acquiring and maintaining a healthy relationship with God. To graciously honor Him is to appreciate and give high regard for His Holy Name, which must be hallowed because of His sacredness. It is impossible to communicate with Him if His name is not kept Holy. It is a total insult to Him to use His Name in vain. He declares, “Whosoever use His name in vain shall be found guilty” (Exodus 20:7).
What does it mean to use God’s Name in vain? First and foremost, His Name should never be spoken or written in a profane way. He does not have a last name, even though numerous people give Him countless disrespectful last names. Also, God’s name should never be used in conjunction with unsuitable language. There are some words that should always be avoided, including those that may be alleged to be “no-harm” words. Our words shape and display our perception of who God is. He is not a “homey,” nor is He anyone’s “ace.” Further, it is incredibly disrespectful to refer to Jesus as “JC.”
Respect for God is developed when there is a clear perception of who He is. God is unreservedly Supreme. He has every perfect attribute, and He is worthy of all veneration. To respect Him is to reverence His every command and ultimately respond to His Holy Word. One with such distinction must be celebrated with fear, awe and admiration by all humanity. He is worthy of absolute respect! No one will enter the Kingdom of God who does not have appropriate respect for Him, for it is in God that we move and have our being (Act 17:28).
Is there anyone in existence who should be more highly respected than our Majestic and Supreme God? There is no one! Respecting God indicates that He is accepted for who He is, for what He says, for all that He has ever done, and what He will do in the future. No matter who we are or what we have accomplished, we must all remember that respect belongs to God and that The Majesty of God must be recognized. It is not that we should, but that we must be faithful in giving Him the respect that He deserves.
PRAYER IS KEY: Dear Lord, I ask that You help me to respect You in all regards and to glorify, honor, and highly esteem Your name forever. Help me comply with Your directives and honor Your mandates, having clear insight into You with all intelligence. I pray that You bless me to be sensitive to what is required of me, utilizing my most excellent efforts to carry out Your perfect Will with exceptional respect. In the Name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
