“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
- Definition: Fear – a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, , whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. reverential awe, especially toward God: the fear of God.
When I was a child, I had formed a healthy respect and fear of my parent’s discipline. Their discipline was so consistent, I knew not to cross their line. They had ultimate control of my life, and although I knew they loved me, it was because of their love they would teach me to avoid certain dangers. Specifically, I remember when I was around ten years old, I was told to always be home by dark. We were privilege to have a large neighborhood with restaurants and stores within walking distance. Once, when a friend and I were collecting newspapers to turn in for profit, I was egged on to continue our quest to places in our town where they would relinquish their old papers. It was well after dark.and I knew I was going to be in trouble because my mother let it be known in previous times there would be no room for excuse. So as we bicycled up to my driveway, sure enough, my mom was standing there with flyswatter in hand, ready to enforce the rule. She seemed angry, but it was more the emotion of fear she was demonstrating, fearing the worst could have happened to me. (Proverbs 23:13-14).
We are always under someone’s authority whether we are aware of it or not. The government is given the authority to enact justice whenever it’s citizens break a law. When it comes to criminal justice the objective is to establish laws and consequences to protect innocent people from criminal activity.
Benjamin Franklin, one of our Founding fathers made the statement that a democracy where freedom to live peacefully is maintained is only made possible where a moral populace exists.
“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.” Benjamin Franklin
The freedom to do whatever you want, serves only those who desire to please themselves. This goes along with the philosophy “the end justifies the means ” and the indoctrination of self-will/values clarification – where each individual determines whether something is right or wrong depending on the desired outcome.
What’s scary, is when in view of possible consequences some will throw caution to the wind and take unnecessary risks, while others will avoid any type of risk for self-preservation.
Wisdom which leads to the best outcome for everyone is defined as easy to understand, peaceable and leads to the best results. This is the Wisdom which comes from above and the fear of God is the beginning of that Knowledge.
(Proverbs 9:10, James 3:17)
Whether we disagree or dislike the fact; God is Holy, Good and Just. He is so good, He sent His Son to die for all sinners and take the place of our punishment for all sin. This has satisfied the Justice of a Good and Holy God.
But the Kingdom of God is not a place for the unrighteous but for those who have accepted God’s great salvation and repented. The Kingdom of God is a place where the born again believer in Christ is under the authority of God’s Holy Spirit. Outside God’s eternal Kingdom are those who choose to continue to sin and remain in darkness.
(1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Psalm 103:19, John 3 )
The fear of God to the one who has repented and accepted Jesus Christ is one of awe, and reverence, receiving the continued discipline He gives to whom He loves and calls Sons (Hebrews 12:5-6).
So the question is whom do you fear and why? The person who is fearless with disregard of an awesome, powerful God, is foolish in his assumption because while it’s possible to escape accountability in this world, it is impossible when we stand before the judgment seat of God. (2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:7-12).
Christ stands as eternal advocate to the one who repents and believes, but who is there to plead the case of one who rejects such a wondrous, powerful salvation, so simple a child understands. (1 John 2:1-2, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 19:14, Mark 16:19)
A Child’s Faith
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
Resources:
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