In the movie National Treasure, the characters are driven by a desire to find a treasure so vast, so rich, and also so elusive that it has taken over their lives for years. As they pursue this hidden treasure they must use all their understanding and education to solve numerous clues and riddles, each one bringing them one step closer to the prize. With each stage of discovery their zeal and commitment becomes all the more intense, taking over their whole lives.

"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name" (Matt 6:9).

Oh, how mindful we ought to be of how great a privilege it is for us, who are so unworthy, to be able to call the God of all creation "our Father." Especially when we realize what unworthy sinners we are, and what a most holy and righteous God our Father in heaven is. But, having been born of God, we have been given that magnificent right to be children of the Most High God (John 1:12). Thus, because of His great mercy and grace toward us we enjoy the excellent privilege of calling this most glorious and mighty God, "our Father."

If we think that the weak and wicked king Ahab could not say something that is actually helpful, we are reminded that "even a broken clock is right twice a day." He was being threatened by the bluster of Ben-Hadad, king of Damascus, who postulated that after the war there would not be enough dust left in Samaria for each of his followers to have a handful. So Ahab, king of Israel, sarcastically sent a response: "Tell him, ‘Let not the one who puts on his armor boast like the one who takes it off'" (1 Kg. 20:11). With God's power, Ahab won that battle.

The manner in which we address others is important. It shows something of our attitude toward them. If you were talking to the President of the United States, would you address him as "Mr. President," or would you call him "Mr. O" or "Boss Man" or "Homey?" The latter three do not convey the same attitude of respect as "Mr. President." We teach our children to address their schoolteachers as "Ms. Smith" or "Teacher," not as "Mary." Knowing how to address one another in the proper manner is considered common sense. If we fail to do this, offense could be taken and relationships could be damaged.