The Enduring Importance of Fearing God

In a world that often seems to be spiraling into chaos, where violence and hatred make headlines daily, we find ourselves asking: What's missing? What could possibly turn the tide of darkness that threatens to engulf our society? The answer, though perhaps surprising to some, is as ancient as it is powerful: the fear of the Lord. 

But what does it mean to "fear the Lord" in our modern context? It's not about cowering in terror before an angry deity. Rather, it's about cultivating a deep, reverential awe of God - an understanding of His holiness, power, and love that fundamentally shapes how we live our lives. 

This fear of the Lord isn't a temporary phase in our spiritual journey. It's not something we graduate from or outgrow. Instead, it's meant to be a constant companion, from the moment we first embrace faith until our final breath. As we read in Luke 1:50, part of Mary's magnificent song of praise: "His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation." 

This verse reminds us that the fear of the Lord isn't just for individuals - it's meant to be passed down through the ages, a legacy of reverence that shapes entire societies. When we lose this fear, when we push God to the margins of our culture, the consequences can be severe. We see this playing out in the increasing violence and moral decay around us. 

Recent events paint a grim picture: mass shootings in places of worship and stores, gang violence claiming young lives, senseless murders of innocent people pursuing their dreams. Each tragedy is a stark reminder of how far we've fallen from the ideal of a society built on the fear of the Lord. 

But there's hope. Even in the darkest times, there are those who stand up for truth, who aren't afraid to align their worldview with God's Word. These modern-day prophets often face fierce opposition, sometimes even paying the ultimate price for their convictions as we saw on Sept. 10th in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Yet their courage inspires others, sparking a hunger for truth in a generation fed on lies. 

The Apostle Paul understood this hunger. In his letter to the Romans, he doesn't boast about the number of converts he's made or churches he's planted. Instead, he glories in one thing alone: "I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done" (Romans 15:18). Paul's focus was on transformed lives - people who didn't just hear the gospel but were fundamentally changed by it. 

This transformation is what the fear of the Lord fuels. It's not just about believing the right things; it's about living them out. As one theologian put it, "People have not been 'evangelized' until they have ceased to be their own masters and become joyful servants of the Lord." 

We see this playing out in the early church. Acts 9:31 tells us that the church "enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers." The fear of the Lord wasn't a hindrance to growth - it was the very thing that fueled it! 

But let's be clear: this fear isn't about expecting God to strike us down at any moment. When Ananias and Sapphira were judged for lying to the Holy Spirit in Acts 5, the resulting fear in the church wasn't paralyzing terror. Instead, it was a sobering realization of God's holiness and the importance of integrity in the community of faith. 

This healthy fear of the Lord isn't just for our earthly lives. Revelation gives us a glimpse into heaven, where the redeemed sing, "Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations. Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy" (Revelation 15:3-4). Even in eternity, our relationship with God will be characterized by awe and reverence. 

So how do we cultivate this fear of the Lord? Paul gives us a clue in Philippians 2:12-13: "Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." This isn't about earning our salvation, but about taking it seriously, allowing it to permeate every aspect of our lives. 

The fear of the Lord keeps us humble, reminding us that we're not the masters of our own destiny. It keeps us honest, knowing that God sees all and values integrity. It keeps us hopeful, assuring us that ultimate justice rests in His hands. And it keeps us holy, inspiring us to live lives worthy of our calling. 

In a culture that often scoffs at the idea of fearing God, we must remember that this fear is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). It's not opposed to love; rather, it deepens our love for God, helping us appreciate the immensity of His grace towards us. 

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, may we never outgrow our need for a healthy fear of the Lord. May it shape our choices, guide our steps, and fuel our passion for righteousness. And may we pass this legacy on to future generations, knowing that the fear of the Lord is not just for us, but for all who would seek Him, from generation to generation. 

In a world desperate for answers, let's not forget this timeless truth: the fear of the Lord is not just a quaint religious notion, but the very key to living a life of purpose, integrity, and lasting impact. 

I write these words in the fear and awe of God, 

Pastor Greg