I’ve noticed that many Christians have a tendency to handle the term “fear of the Lord” very carefully. We’re not entirely comfortable with the idea of a God we have to fear. We explain away the words, saying that this “fear” really means respect or reverence. Both of these are excellent responses to God – we should revere and respect Him. However, a good dose of fear is also appropriate.

Our God is good. He is also Master of creation and the Judge of all righteousness. The scope of His majesty is unfathomable to the mind of man. Judgment is brought up again and again in the Bible, matched only by the assurance that salvation from sin is possible through God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

This idea of fearing the Lord also has implications for our lives. God has called us to share His Word with the world. “Fear of the Lord” is and should always be a huge motivating factor. When the Lord of heaven and earth calls us to a task, we best answer as earnestly as possible – with respect, reverence, and yes, with fear.

This is Andrew Palau.