I did. I really thought it was about respect until I heard Damon Thompson speak about the Fear of the Lord.
One of the reasons I even have a blog is to give expression to some of the thoughts, impressions and feelings that are in me. One of those is the fact that people take for granted the facilities that God have given us to worship in and the gifts that He has given us to assist us in our walk.
First of all we are stewards. A steward is to take care of and manage the resources God has given us. They are gifts and I am sure it displeases Him to see us squandering what He graces us with. Trash piles up on the ground on on the carpet and we walk right by as if we are blind? The church is not a building but He does sanctify places where we go to worship. That is why it is sometimes referred to as a sanctuary. That means it is a place that is separated unto God for the gathering of His saints to worship. Moses had to take his shoes off when he approached the burning bush. Why is our Holy Ground any different?
A lack of the fear of the Lord? Okay I will let that sink in for a while.
Second thing I see is a lack of respect for the leadership God has placed over us. It saddens me as I am sure it grieves the Lord when we don’t take care of our pastors and spiritual leaders. We say we love them but we don’t sacrifice our resources so that they can pay essential bills? If we don’t want to take care of those whom God has placed over us how can we say we truly love Him when we reject His gifts? Just saying….
How about those the under shepherds have appointed to help him or her? We balk at the thought of some leaders that have been appointed over us to help shepherd our souls. Al the way saying we love the Lord but rejecting His provision. No fear of the Lord?
My heart is not to condemn but to point out that we all have ideas and thoughts about these issues. I am not trying to be religious, far from it. I pray that we develop a reverence and awe of the Person and Majesty of Almighty God!
As you reflect and maybe even are projecting some anger take this scripture to heart.
Jer. 24:14 “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD!
Much meat here if you can digest it. Love you all enough to share.
In Him.
#1 by Lisa Kinzey on November 23, 2011 - 4:59 pm
Love it. Good word!
#2 by Anonymous on November 23, 2011 - 7:24 pm
Glad to see that i am not the only one feeling this same thing. thanks for putting ot out there i am not as eloquent quite yet , still rough around the edges,keep it up.
#3 by Kevin McBride on November 24, 2011 - 6:21 pm
Awesome word John thank you for sharing and conveying the heart of the king!