THERE IS SAFETY IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD
I believe the Fear of the Lord is one of the most unexplored and important truths in the bible.
It is foundational to us knowing God and understanding His ways.
Scripture is full of examples where fearing God kept people from making destructive decisions.
We can’t downplay it’s importance in our lives.
The Fear of the Lord reminds us that He made us and not we ourselves.
It acknowledges his position as our creator, and His supremacy as: “He is before all things and in him all things hold together.” Col. 1:17
The bible says that He protects us with His angels when we choose to recognize His ultimate authority in our lives. Wow that sounds like a pretty safe place to be, right?
Psalm 34:7 -“The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [who revere and worship him with awe] and each of them he delivers.”
I think many get confused when they hear the word fear. They equate it with having the kind of fear that scares them, but fearing God does not include anxiety or torment. God will not partner with evil to get your attention, so you never have to worry or mistake a spirit of fear with the Fear of the Lord.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”2 Tim.1:7
BUILDING YOUR LIFE ON THIS WISDOM
“Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”Prov. 1:7
If we plan on building an earthly house, don’t we go through exhaustive efforts and measures to find the right location, house plan and contractors?
We certainly don’t skip corners there because we know the consequences if we do.
Shouldn’t we give just as much thought and time if not more to building our lives, which will live forever?
After all we are the temple of God-right?
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” 1 Cor. 3:16
I grew up with a healthy respect for my parents and reverence for the Lord and it served me well most of my life. But there were also times when I needed a healthy dose of the Fear of the Lord.
I’ve learned that the Fear of the Lord will keep you from going places you shouldn’t go, saying things you shouldn’t say and doing things you shouldn’t do.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established..” Prov. 24:3
So how do you practically apply this principle?
Begin by inviting Holy Spirit into the daily conversations of your life. Ask him to remind you when you aren’t reverencing or honoring Him properly.
Remember, God won’t barge into your life demanding His way, He waits to be invited.
Another way is to allow others you trust to hold you accountable.
Let them tell you when they witness you not honoring well or not fearing God. Be humble enough to let people point things out to you. You can’t know yourself by yourself, you need help.
HONOR IS INVOLVED
The Fear of the Lord will also change the way you view yourself, God and others.
It will change what you view as common and challenge you to see yourself from God’s point of view.
For example it will change the way you view your earthly temple-your body.
Your body isn’t common. If God lives in you, then shouldn’t you view yourself as a holy resting place for God’s presence?
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God–this is your true and proper worship.” Rom. 12:1
“…and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Eph. 4:24
Dare I say that most of us don’t know God as intimately as we could because we don’t honor who God is IN US. And how about honoring God IN OTHERS?
“Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” Mark 6:4
Did you know Jesus wasn’t able to perform many miracles in His hometown because they viewed him as common and didn’t honor him?
Ask God to show you who you aren’t giving honor to. You will be surprised to see how honoring others, especially your parents will bless you too.
“Honor your father and mother. This is the first of God’s Ten Commandments that ends with a promise. And this is the promise: that if you honor your father and mother, yours will be a long life, full of blessing.” Eph. 6:2-3
Let us remember that God is the only true source of wisdom and knowledge, and we can’t say we truly know God outside of the Fear of the Lord.