Too many people want to “tame” God into a non-threatening nobody who perhaps they listen or talk to when really needing some divine intervention. But if we redefine God who created the universe into a God that only makes us feel comfortable; a permissive friend we only listen to when we want to and who exists simply to bless us and give us what we want it, we will not fear and respect Him in the way He deserves to be feared.
The bible says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Proverbs 9:10). Appropriate respect for God means keeping before our eyes what a serious prospect it is to stop listening to, trusting and depending on God. He is not someone who in our independence and pride we can just “push to the side” as unimportant without there being serious consequences. He is worthy of our love, awe and respect.
Think of our solar system that is part of a galaxy called the “Milky Way”. Astronomers have estimated that there are at least 100,000 million stars in this galaxy. Consider too the perfect precision with which these heavenly bodies move in their orbits and that it was God who created and planned each star and planet.
Or consider man who is the crown of God’s creation. Look at our bodies and see how wonderfully God has created them. (Psalm 139) Each of our eyes has 130 million little rods for black and white vision and 7 million cones for colour vision. These are connected to the brain by 300,000 nerve fibres. The human eye can receive 1.5 million messages simultaneously! To duplicate the function of one eye mechanically it would require 250,000 television transmitters and receivers!
God is immense in His power and ability and the fear of God begins when we see Him in all His creative greatness, majesty and power. In keeping before us, “the continual awareness that our loving heavenly Father is watching everything we think, say and do and that nothing escapes His attention.
“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment”. (Matthew 12:36)
“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that you take thought of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty” (Psalm 8:4)
The person who is proud does not fear the Lord and lacks the humility needed to be teachable and open to change and growth. Pride prevents us from being able to admit our mistakes and need for change and growth. However when we humble ourselve we become open to counsel, ready to be corrected and to follow truth.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction”. (Proverbs 1:7)
In order to develop the fear of the Lord we start recognising God for who He is. When we fear Him appropriately we have a continual awareness of Him; a deep awe, respect and reverence for Him and a sincere commitment to obey Him whether we want to or not.
Today consider God and His power and might. Think on the fact that He knows and sees everyone and everything and then make the decision to give Him the respect and honour He deserves. He is not someone to be ignored when we feel like it. He demands attention and respect simply because “He is who He is.”
“Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)
Prayer: Lord I acknowledge who you are and give you the respect you deserve today. Forgive me when I have not treated you with the honour you are due and please help me to be more mindful of just how powerful and mighty you are in everything I say think and do. In Jesus name Amen.
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