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The Good Influence of the Fear of God
The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all they that do His commandments:
His praise endureth forever.
Psalm 111:10
By one’s casual view of the world, it does not appear as though God has much, if any, influence upon the lives of people today. Regardless of a quick observance, there is much to be said and learned about the influence of the fear of God. Hebrews 12:28,29 says, “...let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and godly fear; for our God is a consuming fire.” Among the respectful considerations we should bestow upon all men, the brotherhood, and the king, the Bible teaches us to “Fear God” (1 Peter 2:17). Fear should be given to the one who brought everything into existence out of nothing, and who put all things made under His control (Acts 17:24-28). God is not only to be feared because of His ability, but His perfection as well. God is not tempted with evil and has not tempted man with evil (James 1:12). He avoids lust, pride, and corruption. Such a sacred character deserves our fearful respect.
The presence of God throughout the Scriptures provoked fear in man. From His appearance to Adam and Eve to Abraham to Jacob to Moses and to the disciples (Matthew 17:5), man has reacted in fear to God. It appears as though it were the natural and expected reaction of man to the divine, and places man in a state of humility and reception of God’s instruction. When Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead, “fear came upon the whole church” (Acts 5:11). That fear did not freeze the church. They were not afraid to move. They were struck with a respect for what God can do to sin. They moved in obedience to the teachings of the apostles.
Because of the fear of God, the Psalmist said, “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way: Oh when wilt Thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart” (Psalm 101:2). This is the positive action that comes from the fear of Jehovah. The more we fear people, the less likely we are to be around them, but the more you fear God, the more you spend time with Him in His presence, and the more you dread displeasing Him. If it were possible to stand with God and watch a video of your life with Him, would there be a smile on your face? Would you like to have the confidence right now that God is smiling? Pleasing God begins with respect, an appreciation of His daily presence, and a high regard for the wisdom of His Word. Make your choices on the basis of what pleases Him. Live so that at any point of time in your life, would you be ushered into the presence of God, you would see a smile on His face.
