Excerpts from Battle Cry Good vs Evil
Chapter 18: Fear of the Lord
God is a loving God, and He wants a personal relationship with each and every one of us. He literally wants to be our best friend. Then why would it be necessary to fear Him? Fear is a reverent respect for God’s authority. Proverbs 19:23 (NLT) says, “Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.” Luke 1:50 (NLT) says, “He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.” So how much do you fear the Lord? Despite knowing what God wants, regardless of the consequences, do you continue to do what you want? How disrespectful.
Embedded in our fear of the Lord, is the understanding that all government and authority has evolved under the providence of the Lord. We need to obey God’s Word by maintaining respect for government and authority. What would society be like without governing authorities?
Some people have the attitude that nobody should be telling us what to do, or dictate how we live. Some confuse freedom with the right to act the way they want. With respect to governing authorities, the structure of society in which we live, is founded on God. In Mark 12:17 (NLT) Jesus said, “Well then, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” Rules and regulations are set forth to keep us safe and help us prosper. Without rules or regulations, social and civil order would be at risk. Romans 13:1–2 (NLT) says, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.” How often do we stop and think about what God is trying to accomplish through those in positions of authority? How often do those in positions of authority think about what God is trying to accomplish through them?
Author’s comments: Let’s get real. There are some people in positions of authority who do not act like God’s servants. They abuse their authority and do not deserve respect. But even if we don’t respect the person in the position of authority, we must maintain respect for the position.
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