Do not Lose the fear of the Lord

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate (Prov. 8:13 KJV).

Scripture discusses two types of fear with respect to our attitude towards God. The first is fear resulting from sin, causing us to dread approaching God, in fear of judgement. This fear led Adam and Eve to hide themselves after they sinned. This sort of fear brings enslavement, servitude, and bondage.

The second type of fear is the awe, reverence, and respect for God. Though the Lord has made us His children, and loves us dearly, He remains the Great I AM, Almighty God, Creator of the world, and King of the universe. Reverent fear keeps us from evil. The very idea that God exists makes even non-Christians stay away from certain things. The worst thing society can do, is eradicate the idea of God from the minds of people. The more godless the society, the more it will see wickedness and evil in men.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, knowledge and an upright life. It is a treasure we should guard dearly in our hearts. We should not become so familiar with God, that we lose our reverential fear of Him. Guard the fear of the Lord in your heart.

MEDITATE

Understand the two types of fear noted above in your own words. Declare that “My heart maintains the awe and reverence for God, at all times, and in all things”

APPLY THE WORD

If you fear God, there are things you will be “afraid” to do, even if no one would ever know. The fear of the Lord makes you hate evil and sin. His fear filters your words and actions.