"Reverence"

A reverence for the rangeland,

For the rain that makes it green,

For the stock that graze upon it,

The best you’ve ever seen.

For the horses bred there to it,

For the stamina they show,

For the equine bone and muscle,

And the many miles they go.

For the blessing to be cowboy,

And a-horseback way of life,

Far from the towns and cities,

With their noise and smoke and strife.

For the care of herds productive,

Moving them where they should be,

Skilled enough with rein and catch twine,

In places few will see.

For the honor to raise children,

With strong values from the Book,

And to give them moral compass,

And to teach them what it took,

To accomplish what you’re called to,

And the work that must be done,

To value sweat and labor,

And the joy of good, clean fun.

A reverence for the Savior,

Whose life He gave for all,

And offers full salvation,

To all on Him who call.

A life that’s lived with reverence,

For the things that matter most,

Humbly living for His glory,

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (1 Peter 3:15, NAS)

To live reverently ultimately means that we revere or “sanctify” what is most important here and hereafter. To recognize Christ as Lord means giving Him His rightful place in our lives, and being able to defend our hope means we’re ready to give the reasons why. This does not mean we are being defensive. It means we are prepared to articulate what the Lord has done for us when someone asks. Peter’s counsel is to do so with gentleness. It’s good advice.

Lord, help us reverence what is right, in Jesus’ name.

Art by R.S. Riddick, used by permission. Thanks, and God bless.