Using the Old Testament concept of "fear of the LORD" (Prov. 1:7), Jesus redefined fear from God's point of view. We are not caught up in a lifetime of anxiety as a result of a fawning, cringing dread. Rather, it is a liberating respect for who God is, a conviction that if we did not ask His blessing on an action, we would be foolish. Seeing God in the light of His compassion, righteousness, and power, we can see how His love is revealed in His holiness, His commandments, and even His judgments. With this knowledge, we can see who is worthy of our respect, and we enthusiastically obey Him. While life is a temporary thing, we must not ignore the One who rules over everyone.