Fear God

A consistent message throughout Scripture is the importance of "fearing God":

• In his final analysis of life, Solomon says "...here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man." (Ecc 12:13) 
• Jesus warns people not to fear the one who has power to destroy life on earth, but the one who has power over everlasting life. (Luke 12:5)
• Fear of God was a large piece to the growth of the early church; "Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, [the church] increased in numbers."  (Acts 9:31)
• The apostle Peter says that God accepts anyone who "fears him and does what is right." (Acts 10:35)
  

Go to BibleGateway.com and type "Fear God" to the search box, and you'll see hundreds of verses pop up. As I read these, I begin to see a new definition for the word "faith". To fear God is to believe in who He is, what He has done, and what He has the power to do in your life - a belief that is so real that it impacts you every step.  

I believe in God. I love God. But do I really fear Him?

Author: Mark Dwyer