Reverent.

rev‧er‧ent [rev-er-uh nt, rev-ruh nt] –adjective
Feeling, exhibiting, or characterized by reverence; deeply respectful.

Ingrained in me – probably from childhood somewhere – is the connection between the words ‘reverent’ and ‘quietness’. As children we would occasionally find ourselves visiting an astounding cathedral and as children we would be imbued with a natural desire to run around. Mum would of course collar us (as our echoey footsteps thundered passed) and tell us to be quiet in such a manner as to suggest that the location required it.

Over lunch today I read the following passage from Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi and all of a sudden this notion that reverence has to be restrained is smashed:
“Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.” Phil 2:13 (Msg)

If we want to be reverent before God we must be energetic in our life of salvation. Anything less would simply not be respectful, and it would be unwise not to be respectful to the one who gives you breath every day.

How will you show your reverence and sensitivity before God today?
Will you exuberantly shine, enjoying [and showing] your salvation life?
It would be the polite thing to do, I think you’ll agree.
How deep is our respect for what God has done in our lives?