Spiritual Disrespect

It would seem reasonable to assume that since the Bible is the inspired word of God (2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13), that people would show a deep sense of respect and reverence for God and His word, but such is not the case.  As one carefully reads the Old and New Testaments it becomes too obvious to ignore that mankind has continually expressed a disrespect toward God, His word and the messengers that proclaim it (Genesis 3:1-8; 6:1-8, 32; Leviticus 10; Numbers 13, 14, 21; Jeremiah 36; Romans 1:18-32 and Acts 13:4-12).

Mankind today is no different than in centuries past.  A lack of respect for God and His word is still demonstrated.  by mankind I am not suggesting that all men without exception show disrespect for God and the scriptures, but it is to suggest that the majority of mankind does.  Consider three areas in which depreciation for God and His word are found.

A Disrespect for God is Found in the World.  All one needs to do is look around to see the truthfulness of this.  It is evident from:  The open attacks against God and the Bible, drunkenness, drug abuse, profanity, fornication, homosexuality, unlawful divorces, and such like.  The world seems to care less that the Bible prohibits such activities (Galatians 5:19-21; 2 Timothy 2:9; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).  The Apostle John speaking of the world of his day said the whole world lieth in wickedness (1 John 5:14).

A Disregard for God and the Bible Can Be Seen in the Homes of America.  Most homes in America probably have available a copy of the Bible, but I often wonder how much use is made of it.  How much time does the average home read the Bible?  How many families have family devotionals?  Many homes are characterized by alcohol, profanity, pornography, strife and complete indifference to godliness.  Daddies are admonished to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).  Women are admonished to be sober, love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed (Titus 2:4, 5).  Children are encouraged to obey their parents and honour father and mother (Ephesians 6:1, 2).  As a family we are taught that we are to love and serve God.

Contempt for God and his Word is also Seen in the Church.  You might think that the church would be the last place you would find disrespect for God, and is should be, but sad as it is, one finds it there too.  The church has those members that live, talk, and think like the world and had rather participate in the activities of the world than in the work of the Lord.  They had rather be fishing, hunting, or playing than worshipping.  How can any sincere person believe he is pleasing to God and be like the world?  As Christians, God and His kingdom are to take priority (Matthew 6:33).  We are not to love the world neither the things of the world (1 John 2:15).  May the Lord help us as Christians to have a healthy attitude toward God, his word, and the messengers of it, and by doing so have a greater impact upon the world in which we live (Matthew 5:13-16).

May God Bless You, 

Bill Cantrell