Reflection by Pastor Marcel Balootje
What is the “Fear of God”? The Fear of God does not mean being afraid (terror) of God. It is a feeling of respect, reverence, love, and dedication to God, to His things, and to the way we treat our neighbors.
Signs that we have lost the Fear of God: Sometimes we do not realize we have strayed, but these points are clear indicators:
Relationship with God: Knowing God but not respecting His Commandments; not valuing the opportunity to serve Him; thinking God needs us (instead of the other way around); being full of excuses to not serve God; having no time for prayer or for going to the house of God; living by appearance while the heart is far from God.
Integrity and Behavior: Manipulating or lying to others; dressing indecently, provoking temptation; forgetting that our body is the temple of the Lord; speaking evil words, shouting, or living in anger and rage.
Morality: Adultery, fornication, and immorality; participating in or supporting shamelessness; not wanting to repent of evil; not asking for forgiveness when we offend others.
Responsibility: Not wanting to raise or discipline children; losing respect for parents; irresponsibility in word and deed.
Materialism: Valuing money and material things more than God; thinking we are indispensable (until God replaces us).
“Our integrity is tied to our fear of God; no immoral person can be upright in the eyes of the Lord.”
Word of God to meditate upon:
Proverbs 14:26: “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.”
Proverbs 15:33: “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.”
Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Psalm 112:1: “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments.”
Psalm 34:9: “Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.”
Psalm 25:14: “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.”
Matthew 10:28: “…but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
A call to sincerity: Many people seek God when they are sick or in difficulty, making promises in moments of pain. But, when God listens and sends healing, many return to their “old life and foolishness.” This lack of commitment after receiving God’s grace is also proof of a lack of the fear of God.
Conclusion: The fear of God is highly necessary for a wise, upright, and blessed life.
Sincerely, Pastor Marcel Balootje