FROM THE DAWGHOUSE…
Fearing God
Recently at church, our pastor was telling a story about an individual – a well-known preacher in the Christian community – who fell from grace and landed in prison. One day he was visited and was asked, “When did you lose your love for Jesus?” There was a long pause, and the preacher answered, “John, I never lost my love for Jesus. I lost my fear of God.”
I was silent…
The words pierced my heart…
“I lost my fear of God.”
Could that possibly be me as well? Was I prancing along in my Christian walk “loving Jesus”, but having no fear of God? It struck me that perhaps I didn’t even know scripturally what “fearing God” even meant. Why was such fear even important? Isn’t “love” enough?
In Christian circles, the concept of “fearing God” is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, yet perhaps not a top-of-mind subject for discussion and contemplation among believers. While the phrase often evokes feelings of anxiety or dread, the true meaning of fearing God extends far beyond mere fear and encompasses reverence, awe, and obedience. Understanding why it’s important for Christians to fear God requires delving into the theological, spiritual, and practical implications of this concept. I would challenge us all to dig deep.
The fear of God is a recurring theme in the Bible, appearing numerous times across both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Similarly, Ecclesiastes 12:13 urges, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” These verses emphasize the foundational role that fearing God plays in the life of a believer…in the life of you and me.
Contrary to a fear characterized by terror or dread, the fear of God in Christianity is grounded in reverence, respect, and awe towards the Almighty. It acknowledges God’s sovereignty, majesty, and holiness. This fear involves recognizing God’s authority over creation and submitting to His will with humility and obedience. Perhaps I have known this in the head, but has it ever made it to the heart?
Fearing God is not about cowering before a distant and wrathful deity but rather about cultivating a healthy reverence and awe in our relationship with Him. Just as children (hopefully) respect and obey a loving parent out of reverence and gratitude, Christians are called to fear God as an expression of their love and devotion. It leads to wisdom and spiritual discernment.
By acknowledging God’s supreme authority and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life, believers gain insight and understanding beyond their own human capabilities. This fear serves as a compass, guiding us in making righteous choices and avoiding sin. Fearing God reminds us of our accountability before Him. It instills a sense of responsibility to live according to His commandments and align their actions with His divine will. This fear motivates believers to pursue holiness and righteousness, knowing that they will ultimately answer to God for their deeds.
Recognizing God’s greatness and our own limitations humbles us before Him, leading to a deeper reliance on His grace and mercy. A healthy fear of God prompts us to surrender our livesentirely to His control, trusting in His providence and guidance. In doing so, we’ll experience the fullness of life and the blessings of a deeper relationship with their Heavenly Father.
To the Kingdom.
Joe Bouch
