How Do You Bow

A few years ago (well, MANY actually) as we were driving to a midweek church service, I glanced over at my then 11-year-old son. He was wearing his favorite Oregon Ducks cap.

I asked him to remember to take it off before we went into church. Then I explained that it was a simple way to show reverence to the Lord. The puzzled grin on his face told me he didn’t quite understand. After thinking for a moment, I said, “That cap is your favorite. You wear it everywhere. It’s kind of your trademark. When you choose to take it off for God, you’re telling Him, ‘You’re worth more than my favorite hat. You’re greater. You’re bigger. You’re better.’ It’s your way of bowing to Him and saying, ‘God, You’re the coolest of all.'”

He smiled and said, “Cool. I get it.”

Maybe that’s just a silly mom illustration, but it led to a great conversation. The cap came off and stayed on the car seat.

How do we bow?

King David wrote, “But I, by Your great mercy, will come into Your house; in reverence will I bow down toward Your holy temple.” (Psalm 5:7)

Reverence isn’t something we see very often today. If someone bows their head, onlookers raise an eyebrow or two.  If someone intentionally shows honor, others may scoff. If someone chooses to put God first, they may even be criticized.

Yet the writer of Hebrews gives us this clear instruction: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28–29)

What a beautiful picture of reverence.

It’s far more than a quick nod of acknowledgment, like giving a casual wave to a friend in the grocery store before pushing your cart down the produce aisle. Reverence is a heart that intentionally recognizes who God is.

Yes, (I know what you’re thinking) Hebrews also tells us to “come boldly to the throne of grace” (4:16). We can come with confidence because of Jesus. We are invited to come boldly—but never casually. Boldness is our privilege; reverence is our posture. Boldness should never replace awe and wonder. Reverence isn’t about putting on a performance. It begins with a heart that recognizes who God is. It reflects the condition of heart. It’s a settled attitude that remembers Who is on the throne—Jesus

He is bigger.

He is better.

He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

So, the question remains:

How do we bow?

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

By the way, the picture above is the lovely Duck gap.  It’s been washed a few times, with some white paint splatters. It somehow ended up in my belongings after all these years, that 11 year old is now 33.  It is a treasured token—a mom’s memory of honoring. And, yes, I wear it now and then (But not to church).