INTRODUCTION

As I have been watching the news and listening to people describe their hurtful interactions with others, I have asked over and over, "Where is the fear of God? Where is the dread that there are consequences to our actions, words, and attitudes?  I was led to research the topic.  Here are the results:

WHERE IS THE FEAR OF GOD?

When Moses was explaining the 10 Commandments to the Israelites, he said, “Fear the Lord your God and serve Him only.”  (Deut. 6:13) and, “What does the Lord ask of you but to fear the Lord your God.” (Deut. 10:12)  

As Joshua spoke to the Israelites, he said, “Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness.” (Joshua 24:14)  

 King David wrote, “The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.”  (Psalm 19:9)   and “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”  (Psalm 111:10)   

King Solomon said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”  (Proverbs 1:7)   and “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.” (Proverbs 14:27)   

The prophet Isaiah said when speaking of wisdom, knowledge, and salvation “The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”  (Isaiah 33:6)  

The apostle Paul said, after explaining the Judgment Seat of Christ, “Since we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men.”  (2 Cor. 5:11)  

The writer of Hebrews, after explaining the foolishness of rejecting God’s mercy, said, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”  (Hebrews 10:31)  

The angel of God spoke to the whole earth and said, “Fear God and give Him glory.”  (Rev. 14:7)

This is just a sample of Scriptures that call us to fear God.  From the beginning to the end of the Bible, we are called to fear God.  It is clear that the fear of God is the beginning of knowledge, wisdom, and salvation.  It is essential for any of God’s people.  So why do we hear so little about it?

First, we ignore the holiness of God and His call for us to be holy.  (1 Peter 1:15,16)  The Bible has numerous examples of those who entered the presence of the holy divinity and were instantly flat on the ground due to their unholiness.  Our unholiness can’t stand up to the holiness of God.

Second, we forget we are accountable for our actions, words, and attitudes.  We foolishly think God is not aware or He doesn’t care about our lives.  There will be a day of accounting!  Our only hope is to confess, repent, and believe in the grace earned by Jesus on the cross.  Outside of that provision, we are doomed.

Third, we live as though God’s admonitions and prohibitions are not applicable today.  We applaud, idolize, and praise those who mock God and His ways.

Finally, and most importantly, we have forgotten the pervasive Biblical truth the we reap what we sow.  Positive actions, words, and attitudes have natural positive consequences.  Conversely, negative actions, words, and attitudes have natural negative consequences.

Considering that the Bible teaches throughout that the fear of God is the beginning of knowledge, wisdom, and salvation, perhaps we should renew our attention to the pervasive teaching of the fear of God and act on it.