Fear Of God // Stand In AweSample

The Fear of God = Obedience

In the world we live in today, ‘obedience’ is an unfashionable word. You never hear anyone boasting about how obedient they are, and not many people would say that one of their goals is to become more obedient in the year ahead! Instead, people celebrate independence; the more you go your own way and do your own thing, the more you’ll be celebrated for making a difference in the world!

Although God has created each of us individually, and wants us to thrive as individuals, he has also created us for community. As part of that social dynamic, there will always be an element of obedience. Just as fear is misunderstood by many today, so is the idea of obedience. People think that obedience to God will mean they miss out on all the fun of living life on their own. But it’s actually the opposite; true fulfilment is found in obedience to our amazing God.

Earlier on, we picked up the story of Moses at the start of his ministry, as he showed the fear of God when dealing with God’s call on his life. Today we join the story a bit further on in Moses’ walk with God, when he is teaching the Israelites about how the fear of God produces obedience. 

You may think it’s weird for fear of God and obedience to go hand in hand, but the truth is that you cannot obey someone that you do not respect. Just as you obey a parent out of respect for them, their experience, and their position, when you deeply value and revere the words that God has spoken in Scripture, you will be obedient to them!

Jesus also taught that obedience is a key component to loving God. He said in John 14:15, “if you love me, keep my commands.” And Jesus himself was obedient to his Father, to the point of going to the cross and sacrificing himself for us! Obedience has nothing to do with our salvation, but everything to do with our response to being saved.

Biblical obedience is never out of obligation, but comes out of the willingness of your heart. It is a natural fruit of the fear of God, and one that brings an incredible blessing to your life. Today, think about how you can choose to obey God in whatever you put your hand to.