The Reverent Life

"In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence."  Hebrews 5:7

It is still a very vivid picture in my mind and soul.

Upon seeing a young fellow running through the church hall my mother called out, "No running in the church.  You must be reverent.  You are in God's house."  If my mother had not said it, a number of other congregants would have.

The words reinforced good training, a reminder of the many passages of Scripture, tirelessly teaching our minds and hearts the simple yet profound truth, "You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord," (Leviticus 19:30, ESV).  Reverence for God was understood to encompass not only the mind, but the heart, soul, and body, too.

Fast forward fifty years and we find the opposite being taught.  Stopping a child from running in the church is considered hampering their individuality and playfulness or inhibiting them from developing properly in some way.  

It seems the undisciplined culture around us has not only invaded, but completely taken over God's House of Prayer.  Oh, that we might teach the young ones the reverent life, that there is a time and a place to be quiet, respectful, and not have one's own way.

Goodnight, Runners.