The Bible says to fear God. What does it mean?
One of the most common phrases found in the Bible is "fear God." But what does it mean to fear God? Does it mean that we should be afraid of Him?
The answer, according to many biblical scholars, is no. To fear God does not mean that we should be afraid of Him in the sense of cowering in fear or trembling with terror. Instead, it means that we should have a deep and abiding respect for God and His power.
In many ways, the fear of God is similar to the fear that we might have for a parent or a teacher. We respect their authority and their wisdom, and we know that they have our best interests at heart. We might be afraid of disappointing them or letting them down, but we are not afraid of them in the sense of being terrified.
Similarly, the fear of God is a recognition that God is all-powerful and all-knowing. We understand that He is the ultimate authority and that we are accountable to Him for our actions. We respect His wisdom and His guidance, and we strive to live our lives in accordance with His will.
The fear of God is also closely tied to the concept of awe. When we contemplate the vastness and majesty of the universe, or the intricacy and complexity of the natural world, we cannot help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. This same sense of awe is present when we contemplate the power and wisdom of God.
In addition to respect and awe, the fear of God is also characterized by a sense of humility. When we recognize our smallness and impermanence in the face of God's eternal power, we are humbled and reminded of our place in the universe. This humility helps us to avoid arrogance and pride, and to approach life with a spirit of gratitude and humility.
So, what does it mean to fear God? It means to have a deep and abiding respect for His power and wisdom, to feel a sense of awe and wonder at His majesty, and to approach life with a spirit of humility and gratitude. It does not mean that we should be afraid of Him in the sense of being terrified, but rather that we should recognize His authority and strive to live our lives in accordance with His will.