Making an accurate diagnosis means you examine someone (or something) long enough to see signs and symptoms which reveal the exact name or character of a disease or disorder.
For the past twenty years I have been examining the church and New Testament Christianity. I’ve observed trends and actions of both young and old. I’ve interviewed hundreds of faithful and unfaithful individuals. I have spent hours talking to parents whose children have walked away from the church. And I’ve absorbed more hours than I care to mention looking at the social media posts from Christians and non-Christians alike.
The diagnosis I’ve come to is this:
We love Jesus! But we don’t fear the Lord.
How many young people said they loved the Lord, attended church, but never developed a fear of the Lord? This lack of fear has become a malignant cancer that has prevented modern-day Christians from being strong Christians who are capable of turning the world upside down. If we are ever really going to be a light to the world around us we must first develop a healthy fear of the Lord. We will never be the salt of this world if we don’t fear the Lord. Here’s why I made this diagnosis:
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to stop gossiping.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to stop looking at porn.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to handle disputes in the church biblically.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to dress modestly.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough get out of our comfort zone and engage the lost.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to install godly elders who shepherd souls rather than run a business.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to stop watching immoral television shows.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to prioritize church activities over sports and leisure.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to stop committing adultery.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to stop using modern infertility practices that kill embryos.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to stop loving what the world has to offer.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to stay away from the prom.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to stop slandering individuals we disagree with.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to encourage our young ladies to be homemakers.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to stop loving money.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to actually take the time to train up our children every day in God’s Word.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to remain pure and stop having premarital sex.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to use church discipline.
We love Jesus, but we don’t fear God enough to stop divorcing in the church.
The inspired psalmist observed, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth for ever” (Psalm 111:10; see also Proverbs 1:7). What’s the first step—the beginning? Developing a fear of the Lord. Fear is not something adults like to reveal.
Once the “monsters” have left our closets and we grow into adulthood, fear is often viewed as a sign of weakness. As such, the command to fear the Lord is often neglected. And if we were honest, it is not something we are teaching our narcissistic children. How often do you hear of someone expressing a healthy fear of God or working out their salvation with “fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12)?
As Baby Boomers expanded their hedonistic, rebellious spirit into our culture, the concept of reverence and fear of God was lost. They did not heed authority in any fashion—and for many that even included God. Subsequently the children of baby-boomers grew up never witnessing fear or reverence toward God.
At the same time Baby Boomers were rebelling, the embers from “hellfire and brimstone” sermons began dying down in pulpits all across the United States. The reverence and fear of God was replaced by “programs” and a newly recast God of only love and grace. Sermons emphasizing God’s love and mercy took center stage as fear and reverence became outdated theology in many pulpits. But at what cost?
Again, let me remind you that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Thousands of individuals search for wisdom and knowledge in vain. They may learn trivia or memorize theories, but we must never forget that true wisdom comes from God.
The Bible clearly records, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him” (Psalm 33:8). The inspired psalmist also recorded, “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 147:11). The fear of the Lord will prolong your days (Proverbs 10:27). The Bible says over and over that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Consider the following inspired words: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).
I pray that you will serve the Lord with fear (Psalm 2:11) and maintain a healthy fear of Him during your lifetime. Never forget that the “fear of the Lord” is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13). We read in Proverbs 14:26-27, “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.”
Model yourself after the early New Testament Christians whom we know developed a healthy fear. “Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied” (Acts 9:31).
It’s important that we understand this is not a nightmare, terror-like fear in the absence of love. Remember God is love. But it is also not only a “reverence” for God--as so many people teach. Rather this is a serious fear that should motivate you and your actions. Without fear you will never be motivated to toward repentance.
This is not a fear of God trying to trip you up or catch you doing wrong. As the inspired psalmist noted, “If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared” (Psalm 130:3-4, emp. added). It is only with a healthy amount of fear that you can develop a proper relationship with God. Proverbs 19:23 notes, “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.”
Can we get better and be healed from this cancerous disease? Yes, but it is going to take serious effort, humility, and reengaging our minds to fear the Lord. I encourage you to read Proverbs and Psalms to get a full understanding of the admonition to fear God. In your reading you will learn “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him” (Psalm 89:7).
Here’s what I know—children need to be taught a healthy fear of their earthly father so that when they leave the home they will have a healthy fear of their heavenly Father. Because only then will their love of Jesus be revealed in their actions and the way their live their everyday life.
Last Wednesday, a brother in my home congregation (Murray Road church of Christ, Lee's Summit, Missouri) began a two-month class on "Themes in Proverbs." One theme he presented which he said he had been surprised to discover during his studies was "the fear of the LORD." It is explicitly mentioned 14 times in Proverbs. He intends to lead us in a deeper discussion of that concept, this week. As we stood in the lobby afterward, he too took issue with the idea of it being only "reverence."
I think of what the repentant thief said to the other as they hung there, soon to enter into eternity: "Do you not even fear God...?"
I'm afraid I fear God more than I love him. I try to live a Christian life but do I do it out of fear of eternal damnation or because I love the lord? I pray all the time for God to give me the wisdom to Know how to really love Jesus. To love Jesus and truly grasp what He has done for me and the world. Growing up in the church, you are taught all the old testament stories, the birth, life and death at the cross and the church. I understand and can read the texts, but does it penetrate to the heart that it is love or is it respect, fear and appreciation? Are all of these attributes part of the fear or part of the love I should have? Jesus has always been a part of my life and i fear the greatest gift of all -His sacrifice- is taken for granted. I know people converted by The Truth and they seem to have more of a passion than I do and I'm someone who has been in possession of The Truth and grace all their life. I appreciate this article because I want to love Jesus the way He should be totally and completely loved. I dont want to obey God's commandments because I fear only of going to hell, I want to obey because I truly love. I hope this make sense.