The Fear Of God Is Both A Virtue And A Keeper Of Other Virtues
Text for Today: Matt. 10:27-31 “But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (vs. 28b).
As the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, so the denial of God is the height of foolishness. And the remarkable thing about fearing God is that, when you fear God you fear nothing else. The fear of God is the greatest antidote against the fear of man.
Beloved, I want you to know that, no man acts with true wisdom till he fears God and hopes in His mercy. There is greatness in the fear of God, contentment in faith in God, and honour in humility.
The scripture is full of examples of how having the fear of God is a positive rather than a negative thing. For example in Gen. 42:18, Joseph won his brothers’ trust when he declared he is a God-fearing man.
It was because the midwives feared God that they obeyed Him instead of the authorities by sparing the Hebrew babies (Exodus 1:17). Pharaoh brought disaster on his nation because he did not fear God (Exodus 9:29-31).
Moses chose leaders to help him on the basis that they feared God and wouldn’t take bribes (Exodus 18:21) and told the Hebrews that God met with them in a terrifying display of his power so that they wouldn’t sin (Exodus 20:20).
And lest you think this is only an Old Testament idea, note that Jesus states this stronger than anyone when he says, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matt. 10:28).
And Paul says to work toward complete holiness because we fear God (2 Cor. 7:1). So it’s clear from these passages, that having the fear of God is a good virtue to possess.
You are a Champion!
Further Study: Ps. 111:1-10.
Covenant Prayers
- Father, I thank you for your love towards me.
- I cast out every spirit of disobedience from my life.
- I receive grace to display the fear of the Lord in all that I do.
- My life shall show forth God’s glory this last quarter of 2022.
QUOTE: “FEARING GOD IS GOOD BECAUSE IT SAVES US FROM CAVING INTO OUR OWN SINFUL NATURE.”
