What Ever Happened to Awe?

Awe in God’s sunsets ~ I intentionally kept the photo underexposed for a more dramatic effect

Awe – Fear mingled with admiration or reverence; reverential fear. 
Noah Webster 1828 ~ American Dictionary of the English Language

What ever happened to awe?
Did we lose it by wearing flip-flops to church?
Did we chase it away by dressing how we want?
Since man looks on the outside, but God sees into the heart, then most certainly not.

If not dress, then what happened to our fear of God?
Did it weaken by our type of worship?
Did it flee because we left hymns out?
Though some would affirm this, one type of worship song cannot define God, so on this point I really doubt.

If not because of music, then what has brought this lack of awe about?
Have we turned our churches into social clubs?
Have we taught our youth that fun and games are what going there means?
Gimmicks do diminish the simple message of the cross, and since it is close to the source, from this we all should glean.

Has replacing the cross with a watered-down message caused it?
Or could the answer be because somewhere in the mix, of teaching primarily and only about grace, the mention of hell many intentionally leave out?
Could it be that, so as not to offend or come across as intolerant, they fail to warn people about eternity’s horrific side?
Though God is love, apart from true salvation in Christ is the certainty of His judgment, and not proclaiming this truth anymore is right where the problem resides.

I realize that the very mention of hell will send many running, convinced I misunderstand God’s love.
For talk of hell is no longer in vogue, reserved instead by former preachers of fire and brimstone.
Yet, omitting hell from the discussion of our faith renders no real understanding of the extent of God’s grace.
The plight, of what happened to awe, is one that must point back to the purpose of grace in the first place.

Though grace cost us little, it cost our Savior everything, and He did so to keep us from living an eternity in torment.
Out of love, Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins to keep those who accept Him from having to face a horrible end.
The hell we deserve because of sin, God never intended that any should dwell there apart from Him.
By confronting the reality of a literal hell apart from Christ, and then comprehending what He did to reverse this awful sentence on our behalf, is the surest way to restore awe in God once again.

What are your thoughts?  What ever happened to awe?

Sue Nash/2013

For more of my poetry, see Poetry Corner

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