Respect and Reverence

My thoughts on Sister Lifferth's talk "Respect and Reverence".

We have a problem in our primary, just like primaries across the globe and that is REVERENCE!

I was asked to give a sharing time to the older children about this topic. I know it wasn't me that was giving the lesson because it turned out wonderful. I used this talk as the base of my thoughts. I also looked up President Packer's talk. WONDERFUL--give it a read.

We are parents and leaders do need to set the example of what a reverent person should be not just in church but everywhere. If reverence is "profound respect mingled with love" shouldn't we be showing reverence everywhere? Reverence at sporting events. Reverence while driving. Reverence while shopping. Reverence when dealing with our children.

"Elder L. Tom Perry taught that 'reverence flows from our admiration and respect for Deity.'"

"Love one another," the Lord taught.

"Only in an attitude of reverence can the Spirit confirm the truths of the gospel through the word of God, music, testimony and prayer."

We all know this. We know when we personally are reverent (not just quietly sitting) that the Spirit touches our hearts. I hate it when you are ready to be fed and the person next to you is irreverent. It is so hard to have the spiritual experience your heart so needs.

She then tells us how to get reverence in our classrooms. We have discussed this often. The recipe is the same.
Love those you teach.
Be prepared.
Very simple!

But I can't leave this without talking about Elder Packer's talk "Reverence Invites Revelation"

This is an EXCELLENT talk.

Back in 1991 he said, "The world grows increasingly noisy." Fast forward almost 20 years and it is a screaming world!

"The first order issued by a commander mounting a military invasion is the jamming of the channels of communication of those he intends to conquer."

Who is the invading army? Are we on his side? Are we the cause of some one's jammed communications? Or are we on the Lord's side and doing what is necessary so that all in the army hear the words of the commander?

Music! One of my favorite subjects.
"Music is of enormous importance in our worship service."
"Music can set an atmosphere..."
The Strength of Youth book talks about the effects it can have on us. It is a blessing that my children are recognizing the good and bad of music. My 17 year old admitted that a few months ago (when he was impossible to live with) he was listening to some very dark music. I was so glad HE found that out.

Lastly Pres. Packer says this, "The Lord will pour out his Spirit upon us more abundantly. We will be less troubled, less confused. We will find revealed answers to personal and family problems without all the counseling with we seem now to need."