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Proverbs 1:7 NIV

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” 

I was about to start this thought, as is so often done in regard to the word fear, by softening its meaning. There is no doubt that the word means many things beyond our most simple meaning which is “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat”. This is a legitimate response to the awesome power and presence of God. However, in relation to this passage it goes well beyond that definition. It certainly means we are to respect and reverence God. The Old Testament makes it clear that fear of God has a purifying affect on a persons actions and life. As we operate in a proper understanding of who God is we know sin is not to be trifled with. We see that fear of God equipped Moses helpers to lead with him. We hear Jesus talk about how His perfect love casts out all fear. Don’t be fooled into believing that there is anything less than that that can solve the issue of the fear of God. Anything other than the price paid by Jesus should still leave us in fear of God’s coming judgment. However, the free gift of God’s loving redemption through Jesus’ sacrifice shields us from the consequences of our sin as they was placed on Him. Now instead of fearing God we live lives of reckless joy and celebration as His forgiven, redeemed children. Our journey begins in fear and awe of who God is and drives us to Him. As a result when we respond we start on a journey of getting to know Him and increasing in the knowledge of not only who He is but who we were created to be. Today live boldly in that knowledge and love. #BeTheEdge

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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