Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
There are a number of keys to enjoying the favor of God, having the ear of the Lord when you pray, experiencing the protection of God, living a long life, and the like. And one of the most emphasized keys in the Bible is the fear of the Lord.
What is the fear of the Lord? Don Jacques describes it well when he said that “To fear the LORD means to have an appropriate awe and respect for God’s holiness and power.” He adds that “You know you have the fear of the Lord IF you obey instantly, joyfully, and wholly. We obey not because of WHAT we’re asked to do, but because of WHO asks us.”
We want to spend time thinking and talking about the fear of the Lord today because it is such an important and powerful concept. The person who has it can become very pleasing to God. He or she can be catapulted to great spiritual heights because he fears or honors the Lord. Living with deep respect for God and his laws attracts the favor and blessings of God like a magnet attracts metal. It is such an endearing quality, as far as God is concerned.
Yet so many people do not fear the Lord. They look at him as if he were a powerless or peripheral being that one can ignore or offend almost without any negative consequence. There are many people who attend church and think that they honor God deeply but who actually live with no holy God and no moral absolutes in their lives. This is very sad, even tragic.
Are you living in the fear of the Lord? Do you value God highly so as to relate to him with deep respect? Let’s examine our lives today. And if some adjustments are needed, let us do them as quickly and thoroughly as possible. The Lord will help us.
God’s rich and continuing blessings be on you, your family, and your ministry as you fear him!
Lathur Badoy