How can we show reverence to God in our daily lives today? The Moment at the Bush Exodus 3:5—“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” • Moses is halted, humbled, and required to act physically—sandals off—to acknowledge God’s holiness. • The ground is holy not because of geography but because God is present. • Reverence, then, is the right response whenever and wherever God is near—which, for believers, is always (Matthew 28:20). Why Reverence Still Matters • Psalm 99:5: “Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool; He is holy!” • Hebrews 12:28: “Since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” • God’s character has not changed; neither has His expectation that His people honor Him. Practical Ways to “Take Off the Sandals” Today 1. Heart Posture – Begin each day acknowledging God’s holiness. A whispered “This ground is Yours” sets the tone. – Keep short accounts with sin (1 John 1:9). Reverence and unconfessed sin cannot coexist. 2. Speech – Guard God’s name (Exodus 20:7). Casual or flippant use erodes awe. – Speak truthfully, graciously, and with thanksgiving (Ephesians 4:29; 5:4). 3. Body and Lifestyle – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: your body is His temple; treat it accordingly—purity, health, self-control. – Dress and conduct yourself modestly, remembering you represent the King (1 Peter 2:9). 4. Time – Set apart the Lord’s Day and daily moments for Scripture and prayer (Leviticus 19:30). – Schedule regular digital “Sabbaths” to focus solely on Him. 5. Worship Gathering – Arrive prepared: read the text beforehand, pray for leaders, expect God to speak. – Participate wholeheartedly—sing, listen, give, and serve as acts of homage (Psalm 95:6). 6. Work and Relationships – Colossians 3:23: work “with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Excellence honors Him. – Show empathy, honesty, and forgiveness; people bear God’s image (James 3:9). 7. Stewardship – Tithes, offerings, and generous living declare He owns everything (Proverbs 3:9). – Care for creation; it’s His handiwork (Psalm 24:1). 8. Continuous Awareness – Memorize brief Scripture reminders (“Holy, holy, holy,” Isaiah 6:3) and recite them during mundane tasks. – When entering new spaces—a meeting room, classroom, kitchen—quietly acknowledge, “This is holy ground because You are here.” Guarding Reverence in a Casual Age • Evaluate entertainment choices; avoid what trivializes sin or mocks God. • Cultivate silence and stillness (Psalm 46:10). Constant noise dulls sensitivity to His presence. • Choose friends who encourage godliness (Proverbs 13:20). Reverence flourishes in the company of the wise. Living on Holy Ground Reverence is not a single act but a lifestyle that treats every place as turf where God’s glory may break through. Today, sandals come off when hearts bow, tongues honor, bodies obey, and schedules revolve around the One who still speaks from the fire. |
    |