Reverence and Respect: A Call to Action!
Recently, I spoke of how we are living in the perilous times prophesied by the Apostle Paul (see 2 Tim 3:1). As we each face difficulties, we need help from Heaven – and help is available through personal revelation. Sister Julie B. Beck recently taught:
“The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life” (
Ensign, May 2010). A key to help us qualify for, receive and act on personal revelation is to
understand and
live the doctrine of reverence.
Understanding the Doctrine of ReverenceWe often equate reverence with being quiet – this is certainly part of it. But as the Primary song teaches,
“Rev’rence is more than just quietly sitting: It’s thinking of Father above” (
Children’s Songbook, 31). Reverence is more about what’s happening inside of us than what’s happening outside of us. As members of a ward family, we have a responsibility to contribute to an environment where others can get solutions to their problems.
Living the Doctrine of ReverenceDuring the talk, 5 suggestions were presented that will help us live the doctrine of reverence:
1. LEAD BY EXAMPLE: If we are to have success, leaders and adults must lead out in being reverent.
2. ARRIVE EARLYFOR MEETINGS: The Brethren continually teach the blessings of being early to meetings. Elder Dallin H. Oaks has taught:
“We are seated well before the meeting begins. During that quiet interval, prelude music is subdued. This is not a time for conversation or transmission of messages but a period of prayerful meditation as leaders and members prepare spiritually for the sacrament” (
Ensign, Nov 2008). We encourage all members to be reverently seated 5 minutes before meetings begin.
3. LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND: Elder Dallin H. Oaks said:
“Sacrament meeting is not a time for reading books or magazines... It is not a time for whispered conversations on cell phones or for texting persons at other locations” (
Ensign, Nov 2008). We invite all to switch off mobile phones and ‘switch on’ to the things of the Lord.
4. HAVE RESPECT FOR THE CHAPEL PROPER: President Boyd K. Packer has taught:
“Foyers are built into our chapels to allow for the greeting and chatter that are typical of people who love one another. However, when we step into the chapel, we must!—each of us must—watch ourselves lest we be guilty of intruding when someone is struggling to feel delicate spiritual communications” (
Ensign, Nov 1991). We encourage members to speak quietly in the chapel. We also invite members to not eat whilst in the chapel.
5. PERSIST WITH OUR CHILDREN: Sacrament meeting is the only Sunday meeting we can attend together as a family. We encourage families to sit together and parents to be mindful of where their children are at all times.
In issuing a
CALL TO ACTION, we invite each individual and family to ponder the question,
“What can I do to be more reverent?” This could be discussed in a Family Home Evening. We testify, as has President Packer:
“While we may not see an immediate, miraculous transformation, as surely as the Lord lives, a quiet one will take place. The spiritual power in the lives of each member and in the Church will increase. The Lord will pour out his Spirit upon us more abundantly. We will be less troubled, less confused” (
Ensign, Nov 1991). Thanks for all you do Brothers and Sisters!
Love and best wishes,
Daniel Shine
...............Bob Howden
..............Rei Singsam
Bishop
........................1st Counsellor
...........2nd Counsellor
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