Welcome to my blog. I’m so glad you stopped by.
What does it mean when God reveals himself to us as Father and adopts us into His forever family through faith in Jesus Christ? It means you and I should have a childlike reverence for His age, wisdom, power, and authority. We can look to Him as the source for all our needs and feel safe and secure in His love and care. We honor Him as Father by exhibiting the same godly fear that Abraham and Isaac revealed.
Today, the emphasis on honoring fathers is much different than in Isaac’s day or even 100 years ago. No longer do we acknowledge the command, “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12), which also applies to the relationship we have with our heavenly Father. Rodney Dangerfield is not the only person who suffers from “no respect.” These days our society has a general lack of respect for fathers. Perhaps, it’s because we have fewer godly fathers who have won the admiration of their children. Have you noticed that fathers are depicted as idiots in movies, television, and even in cartoons? In the sitcom, “Everybody Loves Raymond,” the character, Debra, degrades her husband by calling him an idiot whenever he makes a bad judgment. No doubt her action has influenced female viewers to use name calling when displeased with their spouse.
On the other hand, a person with godly fear would never act in such a way. That person would heed the command of God, ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:18). We show honor to God by displaying reverential esteem of others. Godly fear should motivate us to offer grace by extending an encouraging word instead of thrashing another with a rude comment. Generally, those who tear down others usually have little respect for themselves. Their rude comments are a desperate attempt to make themselves look better. Sadly, the results usually turn out opposite.
To have respect in any relationship you have to be worthy of honor. Where there is abuse, apathy, domineering, or controlling behavior there is no respect. While we may have experienced this type of behavior in relationships where trust should have abounded, this is not the behavior of our God. The bible tells us that people who practice these things don’t know the love of God, nor do they fear Him. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8). Because God has demonstrated His love for us by sending His son, He is more than worthy of our respect. (Romans 5:8, paraphrased).
Micca Campbell–Helping women live carefree in God’s care
Shelly says
Ouch! My toes are recovering from being stepped on this AM : )
Thanks for your heartfelt, convicting words. I needed to read your blog this AM. I jumped over here from a link on Lysa T.'s blog and now I know why ; )
I am trying to reflect God's image. Man, it's hard sometimes! Your post, today, is a reminder of what God has been pressing on my heart… it's confirmation.
"He’s slow to anger and abounds in love." That's what I'll take with me today, and I'll strive to reflect the Father's image all over my countenance.
Thank you for being His hands today and taking the time to write this post!
Shelly
http://shellysc.blogspot.com/
Grace says
I agree with Sherry's comments. She took the words right out of my mouth.
I remeber when I received a speeding ticket several years ago. My attitude toward the officer was not a good one at all. I was affronted because he told me to watch my speed. The Lord used your devotional and blog to remind once again to have respect for everyone.
God Bless, Grace
KELLY W says
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful devotion and reminding us of what respect means. the world has become a sad situation when it comes to “Honor your father and your mother”. We see it everywhere we do. It prompts me to always say a prayer for that family, the parents and the children! Thanks again for all you do!