We live in a society that is becoming increasingly casual and informal. Many of us think nothing about wearing cut-offs and a tank top to church, which is in sharp contrast to the suit and tie that my grandfather wore every Sunday sixty years ago. We now send a quick text instead of talking face-to-face, sending a letter, or even talking on the phone. We wear jeans and a polo shirt to the office.
Awe. Reverence. Majesty. These are words that come to mind when I think of worshiping God. These are also words whose meanings are being slowly lost in many churches today as we simply sit around drinking coffee and discussing how the band sounds on Sunday mornings. Psalms 33:8 says, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.” This verse isn’t saying we should live in terror of God — rather, it’s talking about having a healthy respect for God. God is so infinitely big and powerful, and yet my prayers often take on a casual tone. I forget to praise Him. I don’t take time to simply sit in awe of Him. Maybe, in doing so, I forget how big God really is.
I’m not trying to imply that if you wear cut-offs and tank tops to church, you aren’t worshiping God the “right way.” But as everything around us grows more casual, it’s a struggle to make sure our hearts don’t go the same way. It’s the same concept as the Dad who tells any teenage guys who want to date his daughter that they must come to the house looking proper — no saggy jeans or backwards caps. We need to approach worship in a respectful manner, because what’s on the outside often reflects what is on the inside. Let’s make sure we are still in awe of Him.
Lord, help me to remember how amazing you truly are. I don’t want my worship of you to become casual. I want to have a true sense of reverence when I think of your majesty. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Go deeper — the next time you go to church or to worship with others, take a renewed posture of respect: with your cell phone out of reach, a focussed heart, and maybe even donning your best outfit.