Should We Fear God?

I heard one person say, people do not fear God, but they do have the fear of man. There is a lot of talk that fear of God means to respect God, to honor God, to hold in high regard. This is certainly true regarding the fear of the Lord. But it is much more. Fear is an emotion that is for our protection. It keeps us safe, when stupid thoughts crowd our heads. Fear can be a healthy emotion, but it can also be irrational, unhealthy, and illogical. I do not step in front of speeding cars, because I fear pain. That is healthy. I do not walk outside at night because I am afraid of the dark, which is irrational. Unless it is in the cemetery on Halloween night during a full moon, that just might be unhealthy.

Fear of man is a snare, so says the Scriptures. This is an unhealthy fear. Some will make poor decisions, change the direction of their life, not follow their heart because what other people say, think or by what we perceive, they might think. That is illogical fear.

But fear that is a blessing is the healthy fear that is designed to keep me safe, on the right track, and free of unnecessary trouble and hardships.And I find it in the Fear of the Lord. The first time I saw the famous movie, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, the scene with Mr. Beaver and Susan talking about the Lion has always stayed with me. “Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr. Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

We have reduced God to a kitten, maybe even a stuffed kitten, when he is a Lion. He is good, loving and kind, but He is also awesome, majestic, and fearsome. He is powerful, formidable, and just. He does not tolerate sin, rebellion or pride. One day, every one of us will stand before a holy, just God and have to give an account. And we will all be found wanting. God justice demands it, while God’s love satisfied it. The culture has laughed off the wrath of God, the church has dismissed it, but God has not changed. We need to take to heart both the omnibenevolence of God and his fury. As it says, “He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. (Romans 2:7-8) However, the Holy Scriptures are rife with the promises to those who fear God - they are wise, secure, life giving, joyful, successful, confident, courageous, generous, and influencers. Fear of God is my boundary, my guide, my teacher, keeping me from doing things that will bring me harm and destruction, and at the same time brings me into a place where I can become all that God has called me to be. God is not safe, but he is good. Remember that.

This Sunday I will be talking about what it means to Fear God in my sermon series of Demystifying God, questions that deserve answers. I will be answering the question, Should we Fear God? I believe this is one of those sermons we should all hear and take to heart. It has the potential to change your life for the good.