The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7
One time, I heard a colleague singing the first four lines of the chorus of “I Am A Friend Of God” with the lyrics below.
I am afraid of God
I am afraid of God
I am afraid of God
He calls me friend!
The correct word should have been “friend” instead of “afraid”.
Whether my colleague didn’t hear the lyrics correctly or used “afraid” on purpose, I did not correct him.
I believe the theological meaning of “afraid” is more robust than “friend”.
I realized that when we genuinely fear the LORD, we are bound to obey Him.
Often, we easily disagree with a friend or never heed good, friendly advice.
Some of the blessings that we avail when we truly fear the LORD include:
- Discernment of what’s right and wrong
- Courage to tell the truth
- Passionate about what is just
- Humility
When we fear God, we fear doing things that will dishonour Him.
I love how Jesus define the “Fear” of the Lord.
Jesus says “Worship the Lord and serve Him only”
“Away from me, Satan!
For it is written:
‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'”
– Matthew 4:10
wait.. where did Jesus got that verse?
“Fear the LORD your God and serve him”
– Deuteronomy 10:20
Jesus’ definition of Fear is Worship! amazing!
– grace and peace
Thank you for the added insights.
My fear of Lord when I was young was He will punish me!
But as I’m getting older, I start to realize that I fear to hurt or disappoint Him just like how u afraid to your love one. As God so love me unconditionally, it just not worth it to do silly things!
I could relate with your experience. Thank you for sharing.
Truly, indeed.Fear of the Lord gives humility and obeying His will. Thank you, pastor..
Thank you.