Respect...

"So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed." - Luke 7:6-7

In November 2009 Michaele Salahi, an American television personality and her then-husband, Tareq Salahi, gained national attention by breaching security without a formal invitation to attend a White House state dinner in honor of India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Their attorney said, "They just went to party". People today are so flippant toward position and authority that they have no qualms about "crashing" by a presidential dinner. Respect has been lost.

The man was a rough and powerful Roman Centurion. He was revered and obeyed at many levels. But, when it came to Jesus, he considered himself undeserving of the Lord's presence. How interesting that a man of worldly authority approached the Lord with humility and honor and yet, so many of God's people come before the Lord of All Creation "just to party". Respect has been lost.

When you walk into the morning worship service each week how will you approach? While you have every reason to celebrate and rejoice, will you do so with a humble and worshipful attitude? Others may attend "just to party", but you choose how you will come before the Lord. If you will remember that we are all "undeserving" of standing before the Lord of Glory... Respect will be rediscovered.