Reverence

Main Entry: 1rev·er·ence
Pronunciation: \ˈrev-rən(t)s, ˈre-və-; ˈre-vərn(t)s\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin reverentia, from reverent-, reverens respectful, reverent
Date: 14th century
1: honor or respect felt or shown : deference; especially : profound adoring awed respect
2: a gesture of respect (as a bow)
3: the state of being revered
4: one held in reverence —used as a title for a clergyman

My family and I visited a new church yesterday. I liked the service and the sermon, it was a nice surprise. As I was leaving a new acquantance introduced me to an older lady that has been part of the congregation for many years. I commented about the service, the beautiful building, the pastor, etc and the older woman tells me that things have really changed there. When I asked in what way she said that people just aren't reverent anymore, that people don't show reverence when entering the church.

I thought about her statement throughout the day and last evening I started thinking about Jesus. My feeling is this: The most important thing about church, or going to church, is to grow in the Word. The building isn't important, the people aren't important (it's really not a social club), the music isn't important...what's important is that you are being fed. While I agree that people should be courteous to others, manners should be observed, etc - are we really supposed to revere a building? Think of Jesus....where did He do His preaching? Was He in a fancy church building? Of course not. He was outside preaching to the masses most of the time. Can you imagine what it must have been like? Hoards of people bustling about, kids running around, babies crying, animals; I imagine He even had to deal with His share of hecklers. These people followed Him wherever He went just to hear Him speak. I kinda doubt He was keeping an eye on His watch to make sure He got them home in time for lunch!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

I'm not totally sure if my post even has a point; I know it did when I started, but I've had an overtired 3-year-old screaming in my ear!

Just remember to revere the only one that deserves reverence, Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2
2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.