FEAR OF THE LORD
Proverbs said, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." When I was just a new Christian, I often shun away from this verse because fear has a negative connotation to me. I would reason out that I loved God more than I feared Him and that perfect love cast away all fears. But as I grew and matured as a Christian, this phrase assumed a new and different meaning to me. Why would the author of Proverbs associate the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom? Seen in the light of John 3:16 ("For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.") which showed the incomparable love of God for all men, I began to understand and appreciate that verse.
Fear of the Lord means fear of offending Him who has given the most precious possession He has to save all mankind. And to do the one thing that He abhors most, and that is- sinning, is really unthinkable. When we realize all the wonderful things He has given us- from birth to eternal life, to countless blessings- there is a reverential fear and awe of Him and the desire to please Him and do His will. Fear of the Lord then simply means to live in order to please God and give glory to His name. Fear of the Lord means to avoid the one thing that will separate us from Him, and that has always been sin.
So as we fear the Lord and avoid incurring His wrath through sinning, we reap the incalculable harvests of blessings and graces that He so abundantly bestow to those who fear Him and obey His will. Did He not promise in Matthew 6:33 that, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Truly, it is wisdom to choose the path of grace, salvation, blessings and fellowship with God and our fellow brethren and the joy and glory of eternal life with the Lord. SHALL WE START TO FEAR THE LORD?
Tags: Fear of the Lord, God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, Righteousness, Salvation, Grace
Posted by: Mel Avila Alarilla
12 comments:
yes, bro. i'll keep that in mind. sometimes simple things like this turn out not so simple at all, but thanks for this great reminder.
Nice post.
Hi sis Pia,
Yes, fear of the Lord is a basic principle of Christianity. It is the foundation of one's relationship with God. Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you always my dear sister and friend.
Hi Hobo,
Thanks and God bless.
Very wise post Mel.Indeed,this is one fear we should always be in sync with.This fear(in other words the conscience) keeps us humble,and thus keeps us human.
Have a lovely weekend my dear friend.May God Bless You and your loved ones always.
Hi Sameera,
Yes, the fear to do what is abhorrent to God will keep us in good stead. Thanks for your visit and comments. God bless you and your loved ones always my dear friend.
You're a deeply religious man Mel. Keep posting those inspiring articles. Thanks for sharing.
HI Jena,
Thanks for your visit and compliments but as always, TO GOD BE THE GLORY. God bless you always.
this fear will guide us to the right direction. Thanks for this warm post Mel.. God Bless you
Ester's Daily Thoughts
Ester's Money Journal
Ester's Recollections
Hi Tey,
Thanks for your visit and nice comments. God bless you and your loved ones always my friend.
Thanks for some SEO tips...
anyway this is my first proverb memory verse when i was young coz my father always read this verse in Ilonggo version before i go to sleep..
thanks for sharing this useful and timely message
Hi Darlyn,
Thank you so much for your visit and comments. It's nice to understand this most important verse for it will have a great bearing in our lives. God bless you always my young friend.
Post a Comment