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What is the Difference Between Good Fear and Bad Fear? (The Fear of the Lord)
Have you ever wondered what is the difference between GOOD FEAR and BAD FEAR? Did you know that there actually is a good kind of fear: The FEAR of the LORD?
Exodus 20:20
“Don’t be afraid” Moses answered them, “for God has come down in this way to test you and so that your fear of Him will keep you from sinning.”
Context:
The Lord had just come down and given Moses the Ten Commandments. He came down like thunder and lightning; the Israelites freaked out and told Moses that only he should speak to God - they were too afraid.
Lesson:
This verse is super interesting because it shows that there are two types of fear - and that one of them is good.
Type one:
“Don’t be afraid” - in this statement Moses is referring to earthly fear for one's life and well being. This is the fear that we are to battle with faith. It is rooted in a lack of understanding of the full character of God, and in trusting oneself or earthly things rather than God.
Type two:
The fear of the Lord. This type of fear is spoken much of in scripture. For example, Proverbs 9:10 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom or knowledge. This type of fear is healthy.
We need to understand that God is beyond us and all powerful. He has the ability to smite us where we are, though he doesn’t. Just as coming before a world leader would strike nervousness and awe into most people, so should the presence of almighty God evoke reverence, awe, and a burning desire to walk in a holy manner.
It’s crucial to understand the type of fear that is being talked about when we are told to fear the Lord because the wrong type of fear will pull us away from him rather than draw us closer.
The fear of the Lord is based in who he is and should inspire reverence, but also a desire for deep connection and relationship. One who fears the Lord obeys him not because they fear punishment but because they see his holiness and want to please him. Obedience from fear of punishment indicates a lack of relationship and full understanding of God.
Application:
Ask the Lord to give you discernment to see the difference between holy and unholy fear in your life.
If you prefer to WATCH instead in listen, click here to watch the video on Youtube.
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By Amanda StoutHave you ever wondered what is the difference between GOOD FEAR and BAD FEAR? Did you know that there actually is a good kind of fear: The FEAR of the LORD?
Exodus 20:20
“Don’t be afraid” Moses answered them, “for God has come down in this way to test you and so that your fear of Him will keep you from sinning.”
Context:
The Lord had just come down and given Moses the Ten Commandments. He came down like thunder and lightning; the Israelites freaked out and told Moses that only he should speak to God - they were too afraid.
Lesson:
This verse is super interesting because it shows that there are two types of fear - and that one of them is good.
Type one:
“Don’t be afraid” - in this statement Moses is referring to earthly fear for one's life and well being. This is the fear that we are to battle with faith. It is rooted in a lack of understanding of the full character of God, and in trusting oneself or earthly things rather than God.
Type two:
The fear of the Lord. This type of fear is spoken much of in scripture. For example, Proverbs 9:10 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom or knowledge. This type of fear is healthy.
We need to understand that God is beyond us and all powerful. He has the ability to smite us where we are, though he doesn’t. Just as coming before a world leader would strike nervousness and awe into most people, so should the presence of almighty God evoke reverence, awe, and a burning desire to walk in a holy manner.
It’s crucial to understand the type of fear that is being talked about when we are told to fear the Lord because the wrong type of fear will pull us away from him rather than draw us closer.
The fear of the Lord is based in who he is and should inspire reverence, but also a desire for deep connection and relationship. One who fears the Lord obeys him not because they fear punishment but because they see his holiness and want to please him. Obedience from fear of punishment indicates a lack of relationship and full understanding of God.
Application:
Ask the Lord to give you discernment to see the difference between holy and unholy fear in your life.
If you prefer to WATCH instead in listen, click here to watch the video on Youtube.