Genesis 18:2

Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

1 Peter 3:6

Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord:

When things are going good or as expected, it is easy for us to show respect and honor to those around us. We were always nicest to our parents around Christmas and our birthdays. Flash back, however, to those other days of when the mood was not exactly one of anxious excitement. Or maybe go back to that last round of golf when things did not go as planned. We allow our emotions and feelings of how things should go to get the best of us. Remember those friends who were disciplined by their parents and then “flipped them off” as soon as the mom or dad turned his or her back to walk away? Yes, of course, the parent knew to look back and catch the disrespectful child still with the finger in the air. Controlled violence then ensued of course. Having a tantrum on the golf course because you are having a bad day reflects the same dishonor to the your playing partners.

Showing God the honor and the reverence He deserves in spite of our emotions is the reflection of a beginning of spiritual growth. In order to fully trust God, we have to have a certain respect and reverence to Him, His sovereignty and His holiness.

Our society’s godlessness is revealed by its lost respect for any authority. Our policemen and policewomen are targeted, our elected leaders are defamed, and our school teachers are shown no respect while God is pushed away in every aspect. Notice, however, when tragedy strikes our family or our country. God is the first to be summoned. These fears generate a certain false sense of respect which is short lasting.

Sarah overheard she was promised a son when she was of such an age and in a state of life normally incapable of child conception. She laughed at this declaration. However, notice how she addressed her husband Abraham. Even though she noted the advanced age of her husband, she still addressed him as “my lord.” She may not have understood or agreed with what was promised, but Sarah still showed a certain reference and respect to her husband.

Great blessings result from giving God our reverence and acknowledgment when our life seems to going away from what we think is possible or even desired. In times of trial and believed impossibility, we tend to revert back to our natural and fleshly instincts instead of drawing near to our faithful Heavenly Father. When we push Him aside and quench the direction of the Holy Spirit, we are disregarding His will and plan.

Let us strive to always live our life in a manner of reverence and respect to all those around us. Our love for our neighbor reflects our acknowledgment of our Savior’s love for us. In Proverbs 1:7, we are told, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” This fear isn’t the feeling of a Lord handing out demerits for any misstep. It’s a respect and reverence of a holy God and a faithful Savior through which we receive our great promise!