The Fear of the Lord: A Path to True Faith and Understanding
In our journey of faith, we often encounter concepts that challenge our understanding of God and our relationship with Him. One such concept is the fear of the Lord. Far from being a negative emotion, this fear is the foundation of true godliness and a key to unlocking a deeper, more authentic relationship with our Creator.
The Bible tells us in Luke 1:50 that God's mercy extends "upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him." This fear isn't about being terrified of God, but rather about having a profound reverence and awe for His holiness and power. It's a recognition of who God truly is - not a deity fashioned in our own image or based on our limited understanding, but the Almighty as He has revealed Himself to us through His Word.
This fear of the Lord is not a fleeting emotion but an enduring attitude that should grow stronger as we mature in our faith. We see glimpses of this holy fear throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament to the early church, and even in future visions described in the book of Revelation. It's a concept that transcends time and culture, speaking to the very core of our relationship with God.
But why is this fear so crucial? Because it leads us to salvation and guides us in living out our faith. The apostle Paul urges us to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12-13). This isn't about earning our salvation through good works, but rather about approaching our walk with God with the utmost seriousness and reverence.
To truly please God, we must have faith. But not just any faith - a faith rooted in a correct understanding of who God is. Hebrews 11:6 tells us, "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." This verse emphasizes two crucial points: we must believe that God exists, and we must believe that He is who He says He is.
This brings us to an important distinction in our faith journey. Christianity is both exclusive and inclusive. It's exclusive in that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, but it's inclusive in that this salvation is available to everyone who comes to Him in faith. We don't get to create our own version of God based on what we think He should be like. Instead, we're called to seek Him as He truly is, allowing His Word to shape our understanding.
As we grow in our knowledge of God, we should find ourselves increasingly in awe of His holiness and majesty. This growth isn't just about accumulating theological knowledge; it's about allowing that knowledge to transform our hearts and lives. As 2 Peter 3:18 encourages us, we should "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
This growth often challenges our preconceptions about God. Jesus Himself confronted the religious leaders of His day, showing that God's standards go beyond mere outward compliance with rules. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that anger is akin to murder in God's eyes, and lustful thoughts are equivalent to adultery. These teachings reveal that God looks at the heart, not just our actions.
It's tempting to create a god in our own image, one who aligns with our preferences and opinions. But this is a dangerous path. The Psalmist warns in Psalm 50:21, "You thought that I was just like you; I will reprove you and state the case in order before your eyes." We must resist the urge to domesticate God or make Him more palatable to our human sensibilities.
Instead, we're called to let our understanding of God be shaped solely by the Bible. Just as we wouldn't mistake a small canyon for the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, we shouldn't settle for a diminished view of God. When we truly encounter God in His Word, it should evoke awe, respect, and yes, a holy fear.
This fear of the Lord isn't just about our private spiritual life; it should impact how we live every day. We need to cultivate an awareness of God's presence in all aspects of our lives. Just as a parent might be terrified to see their child wandering near a dangerous cliff edge, we should be acutely aware of the spiritual dangers of straying from God's path.
Moreover, our faith comes with obligations - not burdensome rules, but joyful responses to God's grace. We're called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to worship God, to trust Him in all circumstances, and to share His message with others.
In the end, the fear of the Lord is about recognizing the vast difference between our limited, human perspective and God's infinite wisdom and holiness. It's about approaching Him with reverence and awe, allowing His Word to shape our understanding rather than trying to shape Him to fit our preferences.
As we cultivate this holy fear, we find that it doesn't diminish our relationship with God. Instead, it deepens it, leading us into a richer, more authentic faith. It compels us to seek Him more earnestly, to trust Him more fully, and to live our lives in a way that reflects His character to the world around us.
Let us, therefore, embrace this fear of the Lord. Let it guide us to a faith that is rooted in truth, a life that is lived in reverent obedience, and a love that reflects the very heart of God. For in fearing the Lord, we find not terror, but the key to true wisdom, authentic faith, and a life transformed by the power of God's grace.
In Christ's love,
Pastor Greg (PG)
