DEVELOP YOUR HEART TO FEAR JEHOVAH - Awe, Reverence, and Fear

Awe, Reverence and Fear

Fear of God is a feeling Christians should have toward their Maker.  One definition of this fear is "an awe and a profound reverence for the Creator and a wholesome dread of displeasing him."  Thus, fear of God influences two important aspects of our lives: our attitude toward God and our attitude toward conduct  that he hates.  Obviously, both aspects are crucial and deserve careful consideration.  As Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words point out, for Christians this reverential fear is 'a controlling motive of life, in matters both spiritual and moral.

How can we develop feelings of awe and reverence for our Creator?  We stand in awe when we see a beautiful landscape, and impressive waterfall, or a spectacular sunset.  This feeling is heightened when we discern, with eyes of faith, the hand of God behind such creative works.  Furthermore, like King David, we perceive our own insignificance in comparison with Jehovah's awesome creation.

When I see your heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have prepared, what is mortal man that you keep him in mind?  (Psalm 8:3, 4) This profound awe leads to reverence, which moves us to thank and praise Jehovah for all that he does for us.  David also wrote:  "I shall laud you because in a fear-inspiring way I am wonderfully  made. Your works are wonderful, as my soul is very well aware."-Psalm 139:14.

Feelings of awe and reverence engender a wholesome and respectful fear of God's power as Creator and of his authority as the rightful Ruler of the universe. In a vision that the apostle John saw, "those who come off victorious from the wild beast and from its image" -the anointed followers of Christ in their heavenly position-proclaim:  "Great and wonderful are your works, Jehovah God, the Almighty.  Righteous and true are your ways, King of eternity.  Who will not really fear you, Jehovah, and glorify your name?"  (Revelation 15:2-4) Fear of God, derived from a profound reverence for his majesty, leads these co-rulers with Christ in the heavenly Kingdom to honor God as the ultimate authority.  When we consider all that Jehovah has accomplished and the righteous way in which he governs the universe, do we not have ample reason to fear him? -Psalm 2:11; Jeremiah 10:7.

In addition to awe and reverence, however, fear of God must include a wholesome dread of displeasing him or being disobedient to hm.  Why?  Because while Jehovah is "slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness, '  we must remember that "by no means will he give exemption from punishment."  (Exodus 34:6, 7)  Though loving and merciful, Jehovah does not tolerate unrighteousness and willful wrongdoing.  (Psalm 5:4, 5; Habakkuk 1:13)  Those who deliberately  and unrepentantly practice what is wicked in Jehovah's eyes and who set themselves in opposition to him cannot do so with impunity.  As the apostle Paul said, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."  Having a wholesome dread of falling into such a situation is ultimately a protection for us. -Hebrews 1-0:31.

Next time: DEVELOP YOUR HEART TO FEAR JEHOVAH - "To Him You Should Cling"

The Watchtower, 2001