Cultivating Reverence and Awe for God's Glory in Secular Contexts
Cultivating Reverence and Awe for God's Glory
Reverence and awe for God's glory are foundational to Christian living, rooted in biblical teachings that emphasize the fear of the Lord as a starting point for wisdom [2, 7]. The concept is multifaceted, encompassing humility, submission, and a deep-seated respect for God's majesty and power.
The biblical basis for cultivating reverence and awe is evident in various passages. Hebrews 12:28 exhorts believers to serve God "acceptably, with reverence and awe," highlighting the importance of a reverent attitude in worship and service [1]. Similarly, the apostle Peter encourages believers to "humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God" (1 Peter 5:6), promoting a posture of humility and submission before God's omnipotence [3, 10]. The fear of the Lord is also linked to wisdom and humility in Proverbs, where it is written that "the fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom" and "before honor is humility" (Proverbs 15:33) [2].
In Christian tradition, the cultivation of reverence and awe is often associated with the development of humility. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, humility is "necessary to the service of God" and is a characteristic of saints who are regarded, heard, and delivered by God [6]. Matthew Henry's commentary on Proverbs 25:6 underscores the importance of humility in religious practice, noting that it teaches us to behave "lowly and reverently towards our superiors" [9]. The connection between reverence and humility is also evident in the writings of John Gill, who interprets 1 Peter 5:6 as an exhortation to quiet submission under God's will and to acknowledge one's vileness and unworthiness before Him [10].
The practice of cultivating reverence and awe involves several key elements. Diligence in seeking God and obeying His commands is essential, as emphasized in Torrey's Topical Textbook, which cites Christ's example and the requirement for diligence in seeking God (1 Chronicles 22:19; Hebrews 11:6) [4]. Self-examination and a striving after perfection are also important aspects of this practice, as seen in the exhortation to "make our call sure" (2 Peter 1:10) and to "follow every good work" (1 Timothy 5:10) [4]. Furthermore, maintaining an "unoffending conscience towards God and men" is crucial, as noted in Acts 24:16 [5].
In secular contexts, cultivating reverence and awe for God's glory requires intentional effort and a commitment to living out one's faith authentically. According to Adam Clarke's commentary on Revelation 14:7, the call to "fear God, and give glory to him" is a universal imperative, applicable in all contexts [8]. This involves recognizing God's sovereignty and majesty, even in the midst of secular surroundings, and living in a manner that honors Him.
The biblical and theological foundations for cultivating reverence and awe underscore its significance for Christian living. As the Tyndale House commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:7 notes, reverence for God is the "foundation for worthwhile words and useful activities" [7]. By embracing this reverence, believers can navigate secular contexts with integrity and purpose, reflecting God's glory in their lives.
Sources
- Hebrews “Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let us have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, -- Hebrews 12:28”
- Proverbs “The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility. -- Proverbs 15:33”
- I Peter “I Peter 5:6 (Geneva1599) — Humble your selues therefore vnder the mightie hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- Acts “Acts 24:16 (Rotherham) — herein, even I, myself, am studying to have, an unoffending conscience, towards God and men, continually.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
- Ecclesiastes (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ecclesiastes 5:7: 5:7 Fear God: Reverence for God is the foundation for worthwhile words and useful activities (see 12:1; Prov 1:7).”
- Revelation (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Revelation 14:7: Fear God, and give glory to him - This is the general language of the sacred writings. Worship the true God, the creator and governor of all things; and give him glory, for to him alone, not to idols or men, all glory and honor belong.”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 25:6: Here we see, 1. That religion is so far from destroying good manners that it reaches us to behave ourselves lowly and reverently towards our superiors, to keep our distance, and give place to those to whom it belongs "Put not forth thyself rudely and carelessly in the king's presence, or in the presence of great men; do not compare with them" (so some understand it); "do not vie with them in apparel, furniture, gardens, house-keeping, or retinue, for that is an affront to them and will waste thy own estate." 2. That religion teaches us humility and self-denial, ”
- 1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 5:6: Humble yourselves therefore,.... Or be ye humbled before God, and in his sight; quietly submit to his will; patiently bear every affliction without murmuring, repining, or replying against him; be still under the rod, and despise not the chastening of the Lord; mourn over sin as the cause, acknowledge your vileness and unworthiness, and stand in awe of his majesty, considering yourselves as under the mighty hand of God a phrase expressive of his omnipotence which cannot be stayed, and it would be madness to oppose it; and which is able to cast down the proud, and da”