The Fear of God is a Good Thing!

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)

There are different kinds of fear, some good and some bad. The kind we usually think about is about being afraid. This is important to an extent, because it will keep us from getting too close to the edge of a cliff, or from stepping into moving traffic. The worse kind of fear, however, is terror, which can be very destructive, especially in the form of anxiety attacks.We’re told that this kind of fear is not from God. Consider the two following verses.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Tim. 1:7 ESV)

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18a ESV) 

The fear of God

 For the believer, there is another kind of fear, which is the fear of God.This kind of fear is the reverence and awe of God.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’” (Heb. 12:28-29).

The fear of God keeps us from doing unrighteous things

When we were children, our fear of ourparents' punishment kept us from doingsome bad things. The same ought to apply to our interactions with God. 

“And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Heb. 12:5-11 NIV)

 Therefore

We serve God, follow His commands, and yes, even love Him because of our reverence, awe, and fear of Him. 

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matt. 10:28 ESV)

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,” (Deut. 19:12) 

Tomorrow I will tell you how the fear of God will bring you good results.