The Fear of the Lord!

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10 NIV

If we are devoted and have committed our lives to Christ—we have the fear towards the Lord. If we see the word ‘fear,’ then it is more likely to be considered as scary-fear. However, in the biblical standard of view, ‘fear’ actually means like awe and amazement. Because of this, we ought to be filled with wisdom that comes from the power of the Spirit of God to do the will of Him until the end of the age; as we have a new destiny at our hand. (Matthew 7:21) This is because if we believe and have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we automatically become the children of God (John 1:12-13), which means our citizenship is automatically transferred to the kingdom of heaven. (Philippians 3:20-21, 2 Corinthians 5:1) For these reasons, the word of God declares,

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:15-18)

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. (Galatians 5:24-25)

As these verses state, we have to overcomers of the world. This is because “we know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19) Thus, the word of God also states,

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:1-5)

Hence, we need to take the word of God seriously, for it is the power of God; to train us in righteeousness of Him. (Romans 1:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17) This is also because the Bible says,

We know that we have come to know him [God] if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:3-6)

Because the word of God gives the access to the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus (Acts 4:12)—the Bible also proclaims:

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. (Philippians 1:27-29)

Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. (Matthew 7:24-25)

Because I have fear of the Lord in my heart, I am amped up to write devotionals for others. This is because I know this is the will of God, and this is the only way that I can publicly confess who Jesus Christ is. (1 John 4:15) This is also part of our great commission from the Lord. (Matthew 28:18-20) For this reason, I want to spread the word of God all over the world.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom… And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:16-17)