REVERENCE is a comely grace. When in the presence of some one whom we love and respect, we are naturally courteous, considerate, reverent, and it is well for us to remember that divine Love, surpassing all in wisdom, beauty, and grandeur, is ever present. The more clearly we perceive this truth, the more reverent we shall become. The word revere is derived from the Latin word revereri, to feel awe of, to fear. While fear, as it is used in the expression "to fear God," has been commonly taken to mean dread of divine displeasure, the word revere has retained its original spiritual meaning, implying affection as well as respect. Cruden says: "The filial fear of God is a holy affection, or gracious habit wrought in the soul by God, whereby it is inclined and enabled to obey all God's commandments." It is plain that what is termed in the Scriptures "the fear of God" is really love for God. This love is properly expressed in obedience and reverence.
Among the many valuable guides to human conduct which our revered Leader has given to humanity through the Manual of The Mother Church, Section 3 of Article VIII stands preeminent. The first two sentences read as follows: "He who dated the Christian era is the Ensample in Christian Science. Careless comparison or irreverent reference to Christ Jesus is abnormal in a Christian Scientist, and is prohibited." This requirement is far-reaching in its effect.
A young student of Christian Science, who in spite of a deep regard for the Scriptures had been long accustomed to hear, and moreover to repeat, jests based on Scripture passages, was on one occasion awakened to the wrongness of this habit in the light of this by-law. The jest in this instance was based on certain of the words of the great Master, words uttered in the garden of Gethsemane at the most crucial point of his sacred career. The thought came quickly: If "irreverent reference to Christ Jesus is abnormal in a Christian Scientist," then surely it is wrong for one who is endeavoring to become a Christian Scientist to refer irreverently to his words.
