AMERICA – Respect God’s Name

Just as you desire respect from others for your positive actions and achievements, God desires respect from us for all that He is. As a nation, America has a history of respecting God’s name. In fact our country was founded on God’s name.

But slowly, along America’s short path through history, our government and many private citizens have chosen to disrespect God. We’ve ignored, tossed aside, and preached outright lies on the meaning of His word.

The Lord’s third commandment proclaims we are to keep His name holy. You may be wondering, “Why is respect so important?”

Read seven reasons (of many) to help you understand the need to respect God’s name.

1. God created mankind.

A fundamental reason is God created us from nothing more than dirt. We were not an accident; we were purposefully and wonderfully made by the breath of God.

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 worship.

For all that God is, His omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent nature, our Lord deserves worship. The definition of worship includes the word respect, but respect is also described as glory to a superior being. In truth, our Lord reigns as 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 wisdom.

Usually we believe wisdom is derived from educational or personal experiences. In truth it is God who provides wisdom.

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 and feared God. When God asked this young king what he wanted, Solomon humbly asked for God’s blessing of wisdom.

1 Kings 3:6-9 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. “Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.

Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

Because Solomon’s request was unselfish–for wisdom from God–God also showered Solomon with great wealth and honor. When we respect God, blessings follow.

4. God will judge.

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.

Out of this Being of love flows attributes of patience, kindness, goodness, mercy and grace.

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.

By God’s grace we are saved; believers have eternal life in the presence of God’s unending love.

6. Respect pleases God.

Honor is a synonym for respect. Our fifth commandment states if we respect our earthly parents it will please God so much that He will bless us with enjoyable long life. Since God is our heavenly Father, actions of respect towards Him also please Him. The fifth commandment offers a promise:

Ephesians 6:2-3 “Honor your father and mother so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

The Bible tells us to not only respect God’s name and our parents, but to respect others as well. This means respecting all people, not only other believers but unbelievers as well.

1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

God is pleased when we honor Him and respect His name. He is also please when we follow His command to respect others. To appreciate and hear respect for our country listen to one of the most rocking renditions of The Star Spangled Banner played by the fabulously patriotic Madison Rising band.

May God bless America.

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?

If you’re not certain you’ve ever invited Jesus into your heart, now is the perfect time. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com. Through Jesus you will receive the hope that He alone offers.

“God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!”

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Learn and share the importance of keeping God’s name holy. Order copies of my book, LIFT HIM UP DON’T PULL HIM DOWN, @ LULU.COM or AMAZON.COM for your next Bible study.