Bible Reading: Psalm 54, 55 & 56; Romans 3
“There is no fear of God before their eyes” Romans 3:18 (KJV)
The evil and badness in the world today is on a high because of lack of fear of God. Humanity’s sinfulness would not have gotten to this deplorable level if humans put God before their eyes. But, what is this fear of God? How important is it?
The fear of God is a reverential or holy fear that is different from fear of man, fear of danger or fear of demons. It includes having a knowledge of His holiness, righteousness and justice. It includes obeying His commands. It makes us place our faith and trust in Him. It involves recognizing that sin has serious consequences and that both in time and in eternity God has the power to punish those who break His laws.
The fear of God enables us to obey Him, even at the most difficult of times. it is this fear that moved Abraham to offer his only Son, Isaac, back to God as a sacrifice (Genesis 22). The fear of God moves us to depart from sin like Joseph did when tempted by Portiphar’s wife. He saw giving in to this act as great wickedness and sin against God (Genesis 39:9). If only the world will come to know God and manifest this fear of God by staying away from things that displeases Him, then the world will be a better place as God Himself will bless all who fear Him and honour His Word.
To fear God and keep His commandments is described as the true meaning of life (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Christians who are now saved are expected to go all out and share the gospel message as commanded by our Lord so as to see many saved and come into this fear of God.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for the grace to reverence You in everything I do.
Bro. Onyema Aghanenu