On Reverence and Irreverence
We live in a casual culture. Men leave hats on when they enter buildings. People who formerly would have been greeted with, “Hello Mr. and Mrs. So and So,” are now greeted with, “Hey Guys. Sup?” Hugging is done everywhere by everyone—no matter how casual or new the relationship. (Well, not so much since COVID.)
I do not see a cure for casualness. It is what we have become. Nor is it necessarily bad. Who would be in favor of the alternatives of stodginess or stiffness?
As pastor there is a bigger issue to contemplate: do I live a life of reverence or irreverence. This is different from whether or not you are casual. You can be stiff and still irreverent; you can be causal and still reverent.
One of the things that pastors have to watch is too great of a desire to fit in, to be “with it,” to be in the now. That somewhat narcissistic drive can leave casual behind and run head long into irreverence… which as pastor is a kissing cousin ultimately to irrelevance.
Think reverence. Reverence consists of the right mixture of fear, awe, piety, devotion, respect. Reverence grows out of the reality that God really is God, here, now, wow!
Think reverence in your language.
James teaches about the untamable nature of the mouth. He warns that the same mouth should not utter praises and curses.
Take that to heart. Watch what you say and how you say it. Keep in mind that while your every word is not spoken in the chancel, your every word is spoken in the presence of God and as a child of God. Your words can be casual. You can use colloquialisms. But vulgarities? No. Crassness? No. Mockeries? No, not them either.
While “thee” and “thou,” “sitteth” and “standeth” are not necessary to be reverent in speech, an awareness that every word out of your mouth is not only a reflection of your heart but also an act of power to draw or repel people. Careful.
And while we are on the subject, as a reflection of God being a God of order, do your very best to follow proper grammar. While you might use slang on occasion and for a particular effect, out of reverence for the God who has ordered all things well by his word, seek to reflect him with well-ordered words.
Think reverence in your attire.
I have nibbled on the edges of this already in previous articles about shoes, clerical collars and robes. Remember who you represent: the most spectacular entity/being/reality/power.
Recently I saw a sign that is found almost no where these days: proper attire required. It was outside a fancy restaurant. The message is of course that you are about to enter into a special place (our restaurant) for a special experience (eat our fine food). Enter with awe. Enter with a little fear. Enter even with some devotion! This place will wow you. Proper attire required.
Where ever you are God is. And you are his. You are a child of the most high. You represent a king, The King. Proper attire required.
To be reverent does not always require a tie, but sometimes it does. I have seen some pastors almost revel in their freedom to “dress down,” especially in worship settings. The question is never “can we dress this way,” it is “should we.” Our attire, casual, formal or otherwise should always make clear to others that I am a child of the Most High God and in full devotion to him; I am in awe.
Think reverence in your behavior.
Are you a crosser? Are you a bower?
Some pastors cross themselves wherever they go. Some bow here, there and everywhere.
Crossing and bowing at appropriate times are appropriate acts of reverence.
So are standing when others come into a room, taking your hat off indoors and holding bodily gasses to yourself. In fact most manners can really be construed as manifestations of reverence to God and our fellow creatures.
By the same token laughter and the joke telling that occasions it can be an act of reverence. So can listening to a great piece of music—if you understand reverence properly, there is no real distinction between sacred and secular music—accompanied tapping your feet and clapping your hands. Our God is a God of joy. Not to give way to joyfulness is ultimately an act of… irreverence!
In your actions, liturgical, official, familial, relational and causal, always keep in mind whose you are and whom you are representing. That will guide your actions toward reverence and help you avoid irreverence.
Remember, as a pastor in the Lord’s church you are called Reverend. Seek to live up to it… even on casual Fridays!