Sunday, September 21, 2008

The Four Letter F Word

FEAR. What were you thinking? Fear is something that has gripped us all at some point in our lives. Whether it was for a split second or for a lifetime, we have all felt its painful grip. I have a fear of locusts (a story for another time) that my wife just loves to taunt me about. But I also have another fear that goes right to my soul as a Christ follower: the fear of God.

Scripture talks about the fear of God in terms of how we should have awe and respect for our Father and Savior, not in the terms we are used to hearing from parents ("Boy, I'll put the fear of God into you!"). We should never be scared of our Creator like that of cowering in the corner because He is going to make our lives horrible over something we did wrong. We should show honor and respect for Him because of His grace and limitless power. By taking responsibility for our actions, asking for forgiveness and going on with the work He has planned for us, we show Him that honor.

Ecclesiastes is a book not all that well known, unless you are a child of the Sixties. The Byrds (yes I spelled it right) produced a song based upon verses from this book, but that is another day's post. In the last chapter, the author also talks about the fear of God in terms of wisdom and reverence: "(v. 13) .......Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

So what was God's last commandment on earth: the Great Commission! And that entails us going out and reaching our brothers and sisters who do not have that relationship with Him. To fear God, means to respect Him, just like our earthly fathers, and to do as he has commanded (or asked), unlike my 3 year old at this age. It's time to start honoring God with our actions, and not just our prayers.

"We're on a mission from God" (Name that movie),
Jesus Freak Out!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

the movie is b_ue_ b_o_he_s