A Proper Fear

I am still thinking about this role of the Fear of The Lord.   It seems that we live in a world of easy believism and the tendency to excuse, or even deny, the nature of our sin.  I know it from personal experience.  Being willing to be ruthless in being honest about what we face, and where we succumb, is the first steps in our ability to make wise choices, instead of foolish ones that lead to shame and condemnation.

Here's a few passages I've read recently over the last two days or so that I didn't seek after, but read in the natural settings of my readings...see how they hit you.

Proverbs 1:1-7 (NIV)
¹ The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
² for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;
³ for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴ for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young--
⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance--
⁶ for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
⁷ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Exodus 20:20 (NIV)
²⁰ Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."

Luke 12:1-5 (NIV)
¹ Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
² There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
³ What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
⁴ "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.
⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

OK, those are pretty clear aren't they?  We can live haphazardly, without regard, doing what we want and then thinking "we'll be ok" - all of which scripture calls "foolish"; or we can live with a conscious awareness that the wisdom of God - his ways - which Jesus embodies (I am the way...) represent a wise and fulfilling life.

Here's a passage to take to heart...we'll read through the chapter break.

1 John 1:8 - 2:2 (NIV)
⁸ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
¹⁰ If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. 
¹ My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
² He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

It is our great privilege to have an advocate for us, so clearly one that took on our sins, and lives even now so that he can continue to make intercession, and be the atoning sacrifice (present tense) for our sins.

We live in a place of Security, but let us Properly live in a place of a Wise Fear of the Lord.

Today, among our prayers, our community is praying for Rick.  His surgery is this morning.  Say a prayer for him and for his family.