First I would like to start on a foundational understanding of fear. We cannot move forward with clear direction nor can we begin to look at the “Fear of God” if we do not do it from the same position.
When you think of the word or concept of fear what comes to mind? Think about it for a minute. Typically it accompanies a feeling. We think “scared” or “afraid”. It is not something that we look forward to. And when we “have a fear”, say, of heights or the dark or dogs, it is actually something that lingers. It becomes and ongoing state.
Words are powerful. And often they carry more then one meaning. The contexts in which each is used often determine the meaning to be used. We must always look for the context that, in Christ, empowers us rather than discourages us or cripples us. Therefore I want to challenge you to look at “fear” (as we will discuss it) from a neutral position that will empower us. And so I will put forth the following definition:
Fear: comparing your self to someone or something in order to determine your action or response.
If I look at a rabid pit bull running toward me and I determine that my best bet is to slam the door in its face and not let it near me, then I have feared effectively. I have compared what is in front of me with what I am capable of and that determined my action.
Fearing is different than being afraid.
Being afraid is an ongoing state. It is akin to anxiety, which is not so much a response to a real situation, but rather a state of uncertainty.
Consider the following illustration. Electricity is powerful. So powerful it can kill. You have to be licensed in order to work with it. But yet, electricians exist, and they work with it everyday. Why? Because they fear – they compare themselves to it in order to determine their actions – electricity, but are not afraid of it.
When they fear it, they make a right comparison of it and them. They are fully aware of what it can do to them. And so that determines their course of action. But they are not afraid of it. Because they understand how to work with it, and what precautions need to be taken, they often work “hot” – which means that they are working with wires that are live and have power coming through them.
Interestingly enough, the etymology of the word afraid can be traced back to the word afeared. (The prefix “a-” being used to denote “not”.)
Therefore being afraid is a state of having not compared your self to someone of something in order to determine your action or response. Interesting twist. Once we do fear we cannot be afraid. So then fearing is something that we not only can do without regret, it is something we ought to do.
Therefore, the Fear of God is a right comparison between who we are, and Who He is.
The only acceptable response to such a comparison is to humble ourselves and exalt Him!
We must bow before a Holy God Who created all things, is all-sufficient, all-powerful, all-present, all-loving, the same yesterday, today, and forever… and realize that He LOVES us and died for us. “Be not afraid!”… but FEAR the Lord our God!
SDG
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