Fear Is A LieSample

“FEAR OF GOD” I wonder what you think of when you hear the word ‘fear.’ I wonder what image comes into your head. It may be that the term ‘fear’ reminds you of an event in your past or a challenge you are currently facing in the present. It may be that the word ‘fear’ makes you feel helpless and vulnerable, or that it throws you off guard in some way. But one thing is for sure, the word ‘fear’ is always going to remind you of something negative; I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who has talked of their fears as being something positive! The word ‘fear’ has very negative connotations in our society today, and in most cases deservedly so. We use the word when talking about our deepest worries, and the things we are most scared of. So it may surprise you to know that there is one unique instance in which the use of the word ‘fear’ is actually overwhelmingly positive. Although fear generally has a negative impact on us, this one instance has the polar opposite effect - a positive impact on us. This fear that we are talking about is the 'fear of God.' In today’s Scripture we read that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. What this means is that the starting point for each of us must be an understanding of the fear of God. But what is incredible is that the word used for ‘fear’ in this passage is actually a positive fear; it means a great awe and reverence for the awesomeness of God. In this context, fear does not mean being petrified of God, but rather to be in awe of his goodness and greatness. This is great news, as the more we understand how mighty and powerful God is, the less we fear man. Fear of God is actually the antidote to the fear of man. Over the next few days we will look at a number of social fears - fears that hold us back from going where God has called us to go, fears that stop us from reaching those who God has put on our hearts to reach. These social fears strip us of our God-given purpose and derail our destiny. The good news is that in the Word of God, we have everything we need to successfully take fear out of our lives.