Reverence is more than just folding arms. It is thinking, feeling, doing and knowing about respect, honor and love, according to the Primary general presidency. When people understand these concepts, then they behave in a reverent manner.
"Reverence is thinking of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, it is feeling the Spirit of God, doing what you know to be right, and knowing that Jesus is the Christ," the presidency said in a Church News interview. "Reverence is all encompassed in love."
During the month of September, wards and branches throughout the Church are hearing Primary children share their knowledge and feelings about reverence as part of the 1992 Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation.
Six ways reverence applies in children's lives are outlined in the sacrament meeting presentation and in the following capsules.
This year's presentation, "I can feel and show reverence for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ," is a summary of what the children have been learning since January, said Betty Jo N. Jepsen, first counselor in the Primary general presidency who oversees the development of sacrament meeting presentations.
"At the beginning of 1992, Primary leaders began teaching this concept in sharing time to help children understand what reverence is," she added.
"Reverence has been emphasized to the children all year and we hope the presentation shows what they have internalized," Sister Jepsen continued.
Michaelene P. Grassli, Primary general president, said the focus on reverence was chosen because "children need to learn reverence. It's also an outgrowth of past years' presentations, which were: I am a child of God,'I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,' and `I can gain a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.'
"When we understand those concepts, we have a feeling of respect, honor and love for ourselves, for our Heavenly Father and the places where we worship Him, the people who teach us about Him, for our homes and the world in which we live," Pres. Grassli said.
Sister Jepsen added: "We have instances where children come from environments where they do not experience reverence. They come into a formal Church setting and people remind them to be reverent. Sometimes a child will turn and say, `but what is reverence?' Some don't know the term or the expectation and they are not prepared to have those feelings. We hope this year will help them understand the meaning of reverence."
Pres. Grassli continued: "We hope that what children have learned in Primary this year is fortified by the adults around them - that they'll set the example and help children have more of an understanding of what reverence is." (See related story on this page.)
By focusing on reverence for a year, Primary leaders are able to teach reverence from many different angles, helping the children explore various facets of reverence and how it applies in all areas of their lives," said Ruth B. Wright, second counselor in the Primary general presidency.
Parents can set reverent tone for their children
Throughout 1992, Primary children have been learning about reverence, but real knowledge of reverence comes from what they are taught at home, the Primary general presidency said.
"Parents can set a reverent tone in the home," Pres. Michaelene P. Grassli explained. "They are the ones who have the real impact on how a child feels. If parents care enough about reverence and have reverent feelings and attitudes, they will nurture the natural feelings of the children."
There are many ways parents can help their children learn reverence, the general presidency related. Here are a few examples.
Speak with reverence about leaders in the ward and sustain actions taken in the ward. "It gives children a feeling of reverence and respect," said Betty Jo N. Jepsen, first counselor in the general presidency. "If parents let children know it is important to behave a certain way, the children are likely to act that way, too."
Parents should serve with a happy and appropriate attitude.
Turn off the television or music when blessing the food at the table.
Welcome home teachers and visiting teachers.
Attend Church meetings and children will see that the gospel is something important to their parents.
Get ready for Church with a positive attitude. "Going to Church and learning about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is a joyful thing to do. It's a happy part of life," said Ruth B. Wright, second counselor in the Primary general presidency.
Show reverence for the meetinghouse by picking up papers, turning off lights and not writing in the hymn books.
Help children learn to love the scriptures by teaching from them.
