Respect and the God Who Deserves It

Respect and the God Who Deserves It

A devotional by Alexis A. Goring

There’s much to learn when starting a new job, no matter what your career.

As a novice reporter, one day I had an assignment that involved interviewing a person over the phone. This interview subject served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

I still remember her name: Corporal Kelly.

I still recall my mistake: Not addressing her by her military title.

I still remember her response: She demanded respect and would not proceed with the interview until I addressed her by her military title.

I still remember my response: I was embarrassed and a bit scared so I quickly corrected myself and instead of saying “Good day, Kelly,” I said, “Good day, Corporal Kelly.”

Years later, I reflected on that experience and drew a spiritual parallel: God deserves our utmost respect too. But how often do we disrespect Him by our words and actions?

Despite the disrespect that God endures from His children – those who do know Him and those who do not yet know Him – He is patient with us because He desires that all of us be saved in His Kingdom.

The God of the Universe who created all that exists deserves more respect than we are required to give to Kings and Queens and those in positions of authority in every career on this planet Earth.

God deserves more than our respect. He deserves our praise!

The Bible says that the angels cry “Holy” and worship God day and night, never ceasing to praise Him! Let’s read about it in Revelation 4:8-11:

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Now if the King of the Universe, the God who created everything that exists, the Holy One who is Lord over all…receives this kind of respect and reverence from His holy creatures in Heaven who never sinned or turned against him like we as sinful humans who He created have done, how much more should we overflow with gratitude, adoration and praise for the God who saved our souls?

The Bible says in John 3:16-17: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”

God loves you with all of His Heart! He’s done everything within His power to save us because He wants us to be reconciled to Him. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-19. Now more than ever, I realize that the least we mere mortals can do is to give Him the respect and honor that He deserves!

God is not a strict authority figure who will not respond to you until you address Him by His Holy Name. No! He loves you unconditionally and is longsuffering with your shortcomings. He won’t force you into submission. But His love for you should be enough for you to want to submit to Him. Read James 4:7.

God’s love for you is eternal. Read Psalm 136. His love for you spans the ceaseless ages of eternity. He’s a good, kind and forgiving Heavenly Father who wants what’s best for you. So won’t you approach Him with reverence and give Him the respect He deserves?

Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.

https://alexisagoring.jimdo.com

https://www.amazon.com/author/alexisagoring