For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. (Eccl. 12:14)
IN THE BOOK The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. s. Lewis, Susan and Lucy are getting ready to meet Aslan the lion, who represents Christ. They are fearful of meeting a lion, so they ask a friend if he is safe.
“‘Safe?’ answered Mr. Beaver. ‘Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn’t safe. But he is good. He’s the king, I tell you!'”
The conclusion of Solomon’s search for wisdom boiled down to two things: fear God and keep His commandments. Why? Because one day we will stand before God, and everything we have done will be revealed. Does that make you afraid?
Fear isn’t always negative. A fear of heights may keep you from getting too close to the edge of a cliff. A fear of disappointing our parents reminds us to obey them.
When we fear the Lord, we recognize that He is the Creator and we are the creatures. He is our Father; we are His children. We should fear that our disobedience will disappoint our Father. That fear of disappointing our Lord should cause us to want to please Him at all costs. It is not a fear of punishment or repercussions, but rather a fear that our actions may break God’s heart.
Today, learn to fear God so that you have nothing else to fear.
Jeff Hughes lives in Nebraska with his wife, Sarah, and their three kids. They spend their weekends outdoors hiking, camping, and skiing.
