26“But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.27What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!28“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.29What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.30And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.31So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Fear only God. Can you imagine living like that – not afraid of losing your job, or of what your spouse will say, or of what others think? Wouldn’t it be so freeing? And it does make so much sense. In the end everyone will see that God is who He says He is, there is a heaven and hell, and Jesus saved us. If we really believe that is how it will all end, why would we fear anyone or anything but God?
And having said that, I also ask myself, do I fear God enough? He sees everything I do, all my secret sins. He know my thoughts, good and evil. He hears the muffled words I say under my breath, and even the ones I manage not to say at all. And in the end, I have to face Him for it. Do I fear God enough? Am I thankful enough for Jesus death for me?
Father open my eyes so I see myself and You do, and open my heart so I live in awe of You. Change my thoughts so I realize that You are always here with me, or rather within me. Not only are my words and actions known by You, but they represent You to an unbelieving world. Change me Father, change me. Beginner’s Online Bible Study *obbs*
I have often heard people talk about the fear of God meaning the awe of Him and the respect for his godliness. I found the question “Do I fear God enough?” to be an eye-opening thought. We do think things and do things in secret that we sometimes don’t even want to share with the person closest to us, and yet we don’t even think about God being present to those thoughts or actions!! WOW!! I am sure he is glad we have some self-control not to speak some of our thoughts in public, but I need to be always aware that he is preent to EVERYTHING that I think, say, and do!!!!
very well said! Thinking this way really helps me step back and re-evaulate what I have been doing, thinking, and saying. And like Dan said our words and actions represent Jesus to the world – what an awesome responsibility we have.