In Proverbs 1:7, we are told "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction." This is expanded on when Solomon wrote in 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." In verse 14, we find out why: "For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."
We can see from this that only through fear of God do we approach Him. It is an integral part and awareness of our being a Christian and serving God. In 1 Peter 1:17, we are told to pass the time of our sojourning in fear. Paul reinforces the concept of fear when he tells us in Philippians 2:12 to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." The person who truly fears the Lord will pay attention to His Word, respect it, and obey it.
Where there is no fear there is no respect for God's Word. That which is commanded becomes optional or just not relevant in our times. "There is none that understandeth; there is none that seeketh after God. Their tongues have used deceit. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes" (Romans 3:11-18). Look around you. Are not these things practiced from the highest to the lowest in the land?
We can see from the above that there is a judgment to come when our eternal state will be determined. God will be that judge, and every work, both good and evil, private and public, will be judged (Romans 2:16.) Please bear in mind the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:28 when He said, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." When we keep silent while those around us mock God and His Word, remember this promise that Christ made to us in Matthew 10:32-33, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."
Charles Royal, Decatur AL
