(Matthew 6:9-15)
9 “Pray, then, in this way:‘Our Father, who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’
14 For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses.
TODAY'S TAKEAWAY
While we are able to have a close, personal relationship with the Lord God, and we can be very real with Him, He is still God and deserves our utmost and deepest respect (fear) and adoration. And here we see how Jesus recommends we begin our prayers - by giving praise, and acknowledging His holiness and sovereignty! Not only is this showing our respect, but it helps to remind us just who God is, and that He is able to help with and accomplish all things!
We are told to honor our parents, how much more should we honor our heavenly Father?! Growing up in a small town where pretty much everyone knew my parents, I knew very well that whatever I said or did would reflect on their reputation. As well, because my parents taught me how to behave, people would comment on how much I was just like my parents. So, it isn't just speaking well about one's parents, or speaking with love to our parents, or doing as they ask, it is also how we represent our parents when we're not at home.
In the same way, we are expected to be "on our best behavior" in church; but seriously, we should always be on our best behavior no matter where we are. As a child of God, we bring honor to the Lord in so many different ways. When we speak well about the Lord! When we speak to the Lord with love and respect. When we do as He asks. And when, no matter where we are or which circumstance we find ourselves in, we reflect the character of God. And we cannot do this without the Lord, in our own love, strength and wisdom, but we are to ask God to help us do all things, together, to His glory!
