High and Holy Is Our God

            Several years ago, while in Chicago, a tall Middle Eastern looking man made my acquaintance.  His initial words to me were, “Greetings in the name of the Most High One.” After a 2-3 second pause, he followed that statement with, “Our Lord Jesus Christ.” For a brief moment during the pause, I was not sure who I was speaking with.  Was this man a Muslim? A Hindu?  I was not accustomed to hearing a Christian greet me with that phrase: "Greetings in the name of the Most High One, Our Lord Jesus Christ.”  I have to admit I like the ring of it.

            This man had a name that I could not pronounce.  He realized when he came to this country that people would butcher his name, so he took the Bible name, Silas.  Silas was from Nepal.  As I got to know Silas (he and I were in Chicago that week for a conference), we had several conversations.  In one conversation he admitted that he was working to understand the lack of respect “Westerners” show God.  For example, Silas said that in the culture he grew up in, one would never place the Bible on the floor.  In his homeland every family had a belief of some sort.  Each house had a special place where the family’s “Holy Book” was placed.  A Bible (for Christians), a Koran (for Muslims), a Tripitaka (for Buddhists)—all of these books were to be revered by their respective followers.  In every Christian home in Nepal, the Bible was placed in a special location.  When it was read, the family gathered in reverence.  However, when Silas visited the homes of "Western" Christians, he saw Bibles treated with disrespect.  Silas’ comment was: “Bibles are tossed here and there, if they are read at all.”  He expressed the same reservations about prayer among Christians.  His question was: “Where is the respect we must have for our Great God?”

            While his questions have merit, the issue points to the uniqueness of the Christian faith. Every major “faith” in this world is afraid of their god or gods. Their deity provokes fear and uncertainty.  Christianity is unique in that we have been sought out by God.  Every other faith (besides Christianity) has men and women attempting to bribe god.  In these faiths, the adherents hope to do enough “good works” or “special deeds” so that the gods will be impressed.  One can never find peace when thinking about “meeting” or “standing before” those gods.  Christianity tells us that God knows every mistake we make.  God knows all of our short-falls, yet He still chooses to love us.  This love is shown in the person of Jesus Christ.  Jesus encourages us to do the unthinkable: He tells us to call God our Heavenly Father.

            Perhaps it is in this “family” concept that we relax towards God.  I am not trying to find fault with a comfortable relationship with God.  As a matter of fact, God calls us to find peace and hope in Him.  If Jesus calls us his “brothers” and “sisters” (and He does), we should revel in the grace and mercy He shows us.  I simply think that my friend Silas makes a valid point and an accurate observation.  While we must bathe in the love and grace God showers on us, we should revere and respect Him.  This balance of Godly awe and passionate rejoicing is something we must intentionally work toward.  Keep looking up!