That IS the question! There are two ways we can think about this.
One type of fear relates to being afraid.
Another type of fear, though, has to do with reverential awe, in which honor and respect are shown to a person because of his dignity.
In this case, whom should we fear?
Moses experienced both types of fear when encountered by God. God met Moses in astounding ways, helping shape his view of and trust in God. After Moses’ second meeting with God for the Ten Commandments, God instructed Moses to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. Having the attention of God’s chosen people, Moses announced, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13 NIV).
What are we to do as God’s chosen people saved by Jesus the Messiah?
- Fear God by giving him complete respect and awe because of his holiness and authority.
- Walk in obedience to him by surrendering to God’s will and his commands.
- Love God by being committed to him and allowing him to satisfy us.
- Serve God with our whole being, with a heart of worship and gratitude.
God deserves to be feared. People are not to be elevated in this way.
In the human pursuit of self-gratification and the trials of life that test us, we need to remember to fear God. He is who matters most and our view of him has consequences. Proverbs 1:7 states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and understanding” (NIV).
In the face of persecution for our faith, we need to remember – and hold fast to – the One who is to be feared. God alone is sovereign and omnipotent, so he deserves our reverence and awe. Jesus declared, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28 ESV).
In search of the meaning of life, we need to fear the One who creates and defines life. Wise King Solomon, in his own search, concluded: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV).
“For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods” (1 Chronicles 16:25 NIV, letter X for Excellent in Follow and Lead).
May we hold this truth in the front of our mind and in the center of our heart.
The focus Bible verses in Follow and Lead will help you keep your mind on our great God!