I know this is a touchy one, because many people get a little mixed up on the difference between the fear of the Lord and fearing God. So we’re going to talk a little bit about this today. I might add that I’m pretty passionate about this one, because I believe it’s so important for the times we’re living in. So let’s dive in.
I want to start by saying that “fearing” God…meaning being “afraid” of Him is unhealthy. And this is the initial misconception. He doesn’t want us to be afraid of Him, because quite frankly if we’re afraid, then we won’t go near Him, right? Right! So this is why we have to get the right estimation. He desires that we draw close to Him. Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” The spirit of fear brings torment, dread, and fright; but the fear of the Lord is to show reverence, respect, awe, and acknowledgment of God.
So you see there is a definite difference. To fear Him is to reverence (respect) Him, to acknowledge that He is God, and to live like He knows all and sees all. There is nothing hidden from the Father. It’s almost like having natural parents. You know they’re there, we’re supposed to respect them, and acknowledge the fact that they are our parents. And even when we tried to hide things from them, eventually we would either get busted or sit down and have a heart to heart talk with them about it. It’s similar with God…only on a grander scale!
Personally, fearing God in my life is living “God-conscious.” It’s living knowing that He is there…no matter where I am. My response to that is constant acknowledgment. Meaning what I wear, watch, listen to, engage in, entertain myself with, my conversations, my worship, and even how I deal with my husband, children, and authority. If I know He’s there, watching over me and keeping me daily, then I surely desire to please and respect Him.
With God, there are no ceilings. Again He knows all, and sees all. Look at it this way. One time, I actually climbed on top of my countertop to get something above the cabinets, and I just happened to look down and see my kids below getting snacks in the kitchen. Now as I looked down, I thought to myself…”Wow! This is how God sees us.” And for a while, I just stood there watching them as they went along, not even really noticing me…just living life. That was a “real” moment for me. And from that day forward, I said, “With God, there are no ceilings. He sees everything. Nothing is hidden. Not even the things in my heart and mind.” And I’ve found that when I live like this, my conscious is clear and it helps me to keep iniquity checked!
Hebrews 4:13, says, “Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is God to whom we must explain all that we have done.” There it is. That’s pretty clear. I love the Scriptures, because it is truly our roadmap for life. Listen my sister, when we fear God, it means that we respect Him in every way and in every area of our lives. It’s living God-conscious. The whole point is to please Him. So let’s do that as we allow the grace of God and the power of His word to help us. Psalm, 86:11 says, “Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” And Proverbs 1:7 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” *Take note of these Scriptures as you draw closer to God and fear Him in a healthy way.
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! So let’s get ready from the Inside Out.
~Courtnaye
Thanks for reading! Like, comment, or share from my Facebook Fan Page and “Like” it while you’re there ( http://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye). Also feel absolutely free to leave a comment here! I’d love to get your feedback! I pray that God will continue to enlighten you to live for Him through His word in your daily life. Stay tuned for new blog posts every Monday at 7:30am on Inside Out with Courtnaye @ www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org. Also, follow me on Twitter by inoutwcourtnaye. Thanks again![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
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