Just like you desire respect from others for the lifetime of positive actions or achievements you make, God desires respect because of all that He is. With NFL players making the choice not to stand for our national anthem, their negative actions may not bring them the respect they yearn for due to their lack of understanding the significance of their action.
However, God’s being far outreaches the capability of our mental capacity for understanding, whether we are an NFL player or one of the five smartest people in history (Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Terence Tao, Stephen Hawking, Nikola Tesla). Perceptive brains nor inanimate footballs make the man–God does!
The third commandment proclaims that we are to keep God’s name holy. But if you have a questioning mind you may be wondering what are some reasons that we should obey that commandment. So, here are seven selected reasons to help us better understand the need to respect God’s name.
1. God created us.
The fundamental reason is that God created us from nothing more than dirt. Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
2. God deserves our worship.
And for all that God is He deserves our worship. The definition of worship includes the word respect but is also described as glory to a superior being. In truth God reigns as our Supreme Being. Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
3. God gives us wisdom.
Usually we believe all wisdom comes from our educational or personal experiences. But how much wisdom can come from a pile of dust? Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
To fear God is to be in awe of Him.
King Solomon, the last king of Israel, knew his human mental capacity was limited and humbly asked God for a blessing of wisdom 1 Kings 3:6-9. Solomon’s heartfelt request prompted God to shower Solomon’s dust with more than just wisdom, God also showered Solomon with great wealth and honor.
4. God will judge us.
Reverend Billy Graham explains Jesus Christ came and was crucified on the Cross for our sins so that believers will not have to fear judgement, “…when we turn to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith, God forgives our sins and gives us the gift of eternal life.” But those who do not know Christ will be judged. Matthew 25:41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
5. God is love.
1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. And out of this being of love flows attributes of patience, kindness, goodness, mercy and grace.
And by His grace we are saved. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Believers will have an eternal life in the presence of God’s unending love.
6. Respect pleases God.
Honor is a synonym for respect. Ephesians 6:2-3 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—”so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” In our fifth commandment God tells us if we respect our earthly parents it will please Him so much so that He will bless us with enjoyable long life. Since God is our heavenly Father, our actions of respect towards Him will also please Him.
7. The Bible tells us not only are we to respect God’s name and our parents, we are to respect all others as well.
All peoples, including other believers, and those in authority. 1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
That means government officials, the military, police offices and the American flag. Listen to one of the most rocking renditions of The Star Spangled Banner played by the fabulously patriotic Madison Rising band.
Lift Him Up 
Pingback: America’s Time For Healing | Lift Him Up
Thanks for your like of my post, “Revelation Chapter 7 – Tribulation Missionaries And Martyrs ;”you are very kind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m befuddled. The people in the military fight for civilians, like you and me, to have the option to sit or stand during the national anthem. So that makes no sense. Please elucidate the meaning of that statement. Also, if you’re going to say there are others ways to protest, go into further detail on the other ways to protest because from my observations, everyone’s going to get mad anyway. (I also appreciate that you didn’t bring race into this and just said football player.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, our military is willing to lay down their lives so that all Americans are free to make their own choices. Anyone, by choice, may sit during any song played in any venue. However, this post was written to explain the need for showing respect, specifically to God’s name. Please reread the post, I never stated there are other ways to protest in regarding the kneeling NFL players. The post is not about protesting. It is about showing respect. In my view, those that choose not to stand for the national anthem are not showing respect to their country, to those who gave their lives for their country, to the large organization that pays them high salaries, or to fans that just want to relax and enjoy football and not be forced into watching politics being played out on their Sunday TV screen. And their is absolutely no need to bring race or gender into my post. Why? Seth DeValve knelt. Meghan Linsey and her guitarist Tyler Cain took a knee after singing the national. Race nor gender are involved here. Please know this post is written, using a current controversy, to bring awareness to respecting God’s name, not as an instrument aimed to highlight the NFL. I do thank you for reading this post, and for seeking answers to questions that befuddled you.
LikeLike