What Do You Fear?

Rats...
Flying...
Heights...
Bad tenure reviews...
Public speaking...
Death...
The IRS...
What other people think...
War...
Failure...
God...

Does it seem odd to add "God" to a list of things we fear?

We don't like to use the term "fear" very much when we discuss our faith. We prefer to use terms like "love" and "grace" when describing our relationship with God. However, fear is often an appropriate response to God. As the Scriptures frequently remind us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Psalm 111:10).

Of course, fear comes in at least two flavors. One kind of fear can paralyze us into inactivity, keeping us from becoming all God has for us. Another kind of fear protects us from real danger and provides us with the motivation to seek genuine safety and power. It is this second kind of fear that God encourages us to have towards Himself. "O fear the Lord, you his saints, for there is no want to them that fear Him." (Psalm 34:9)

Jesus promises that an appropriate fear of God actually helps us avoid the first kind of fear - the fear which immobilizes us. In John 12:42-43, Jesus warned some of the rulers who feared what others thought more than they feared God.

"Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God."

What do you fear? Is there a fear of people or something that discourages you from trusting God for great things. Or do you fear God above all else? Who besides God is worthy of our trust, awe, sacrifice, and fear?

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:13 - "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."

Action Point: Evaluate your life in light of your fears: What is it that you fear? How is that fear or fears keeping you from believing God for great things? Take time to talk with God about your fear(s), and tell Him where He stands in your life.

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