Fear is a negative emotion induced by a perceived threat that causes animals to move quickly away from the location of the perceived threat and sometimes hide. (Wikipedia) Fear is also a defense mechanism that is utilized by humans as well as other animals. When we fear something - we tend to avoid it - we shy away - walk around it - turn our backs and go in an opposite direction. Then - of course - there are those who face their fears head on - to prove to themselves and others that the fear was not justified. That was the concept for the television show - Fear Factor - in which people attempted various stunts to prove that they did not fear whatever the task was. Some stunts had a danger factor attached to it - others were more of a repulsive factor - such as eating very strange foods and insects. In the end fear is a valuable emotion to be utilized.
In Holy Scripture we often read words similar to Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." The word fear used in this manner does not imply that anyone should be afraid of God - most often fear is used to imply respect. When you insert the word respect in place of fear the scripture makes more sense. In early times respecting and fearing were understood as being the same thing. In our days the words have evolved to mean different actions. Fire fighters have learned over the years that fire is not to be feared - but respected. In order to respect something you have to know it - you have to learn how it acts - what it wants - its characteristics. Only when you have learned that - are you able to extinguish fires that are not wanted - that are running wild. Learning about God - who He is - what He wants - brings us closer to Him - brings us away from fear - to respect. Once you respect God you begin to love - love Him - love His Son - love His Holy Spirit. To fear the Lord is to love the Lord.
Deacon Dale
Deacon Dale
