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Fear of the Lord

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By A.M.
https://pixabay.com/en/users/StockSnap-894430/

Scriptures share what involves the fear of God. Basically, the very word used for the word "fear" takes the meaning of fright or terror. But as used within the context of a child's fear of his God, it involves a lot more other things, the least of which is terror and fright. That being said, would it be wrong if you are somewhat afraid of God, if you are frightened by Him? Would being frightened of God mean there is no genuine love going on?

Some love relationships begin with fear and sometimes a level of fear remains no matter how deep one's love for another has already grown. Babies who grow up in a loving atmosphere have experienced being afraid of their parents, especially during their very young ages. Teenagers who grow up with genuine love know the sensation of fear when they do something they know their parents do not approve of.

Even while truly loving someone, you can experience being afraid in some ways. You can become afraid of making the other person angry or of losing respect and trust in his (or her) eyes. You can become afraid of breaking the other person's heart. It is fear but it is healthy fear. It is the right kind of fear. It is a fear borne out of serious regard and deep affection for the person you love. This kind of fear moves you to be and bring the best you can into the love relationship.

1 John 4:18 says "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (NIV) What 1 John 4:18 must then be pointing to the wrong kind of fear; the kind of fear that focuses on the displeasure of punishment or consequences. To be afraid of disobeying your parents because you might lose some privileges is exactly like that- a wrong kind of fear. It breeds conformity without regard, obedience without love. The desire to maintain security of position and possession drives you to act in a certain way. It is a self-centered way of handling relationships.

In Deuteronomy 10:12 we get insight into how God desires us to fear Him. It says, "What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul." God desires fear out of love that moves our heart and soul to a life of obedience and service. He does not self-centered motivations to prompt our fear [of punishment]. He wants true love to prompt our heart to fear and obey.

Fear of the Lord causes us to live a life that honors and glorifies Him. (Rev 15:)

Fear of the Lord brings the lost into the fold. (Acts 9:31). The church is one body of believers living out their purpose for God. The life of a christian is a light that shows the lost the way back to God. Live in fear of the Lord and you will see people get interested in Jesus and led to Jesus through you.

Fear of the Lord urges us  to give Him the worth He deserves. In Malachi 1:14, God rebukes those who pretend to worship Him "Pretend worship" is worship done half-heartedly. Pretend worship is worship done in futile attempt to fool God and maybe even others. Why would a Christian promise God the best yet willfully present something less, even when he is able to present what is indeed his best? It sounds so foolish yet that's something we do at times. We  worship God on our own terms. In stead of bringing something that's of worth, we "expend" only what is convenient with our time, efforts, and other resources. But Psalm 96:8 exhorts us to give God the glory due His Name.
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