True…But Can We Be Reverent?

I have noticed a trending problem developing in our communication of eternal truth. Perhaps you have seen the T-shirts that I have in some areas. They include a picture of the thorn-crowned brow of my Savior with these words – “Jesus is My Homeboy!” Maybe you have heard people address the Father by calling Him “Daddy.” Or perhaps you have seen church marquees like the one in the picture above that try to use a play-on-words but leave a bad taste in my mouth – “God Loves His Peeps.” I have mixed feelings about such declarations only from this perspective. I never want to appear as though I am discouraging anyone’s vocalization of faith. It is great for people to consider Jesus as a friend; after all, He is the greatest friend that we can have (John 15:13-14). I rejoice when people look to God as their Father in His great love and authority (1 John 3:1). And I am glad as much as anyone to let others know of God’s indescribable love that He has shown towards them (John 3:16). These are all true, undeniable facts – but when communicating them can we please remain reverent?!

In Psalm 111:9 David wrote, “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant forever: holy and reverend is his name.” When we talk about God we are talking about a holy and reverend Being. There is nothing common or substandard about Him. And as God He deserves to be discussed in the most reverent manner possible. Thus while you may consider Jesus your friend is it necessary to refer to Him with a term as coarse and irregular as “homeboy?” While you seek a covenant relationship with God must we use the casual term “daddy” to describe Him? As you illustrate the universal and infinite love of God must we refer to its objects as “peeps.” No there is not a “holy language” that is to be exalted more so than others. However, common sense dictates that there are certain ways to respectfully address the holy and reverend God outside of using slang terms. Its not as though the statements included above at their core are not true…but can we be reverent?