FEAR JEHOVAH AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS -Fear of God Versus Fear of Man

Fear of God Versus Fear of Man

While fear of God can impel us to do what is right, fear of man can undermine our faith.  For this reason, when encouraging the apostles to be zealous preachers of the good news, Jesus told them:  "Do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul, but rather be in fear of him that can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna."  (Matthew 10:28) Fear if men is shortsighted,, Jesus explained, for men cannot destroy our future life prospects.  Furthermore, we fear God because we recognize his awesome power, in comparison with which the might of all the nations is insignificant.  (Isaiah 40:15)  Like Abraham we have absolute confidence in Jehovah's power to resurrect His faithful servants.  (Revelation 2:10) Thus, we say with confidence:   "If God is for us, who will be against us?" -Romans 8:31.

Whether our opposer is a family member or a school-yard bully, we will find that "in the fear of Jehovah there is a strong confidence."  (Proverbs 14:26)  We can pray to God for strength, knowing that he will hear us.  (Psalm 145:19)  Jehovah never forgets those who fear him.  Through his prophet Malachi, he reassures us:  "At that time those in fear of Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. And a book of remembrance began to be written up before him for those in fear of Jehovah and for those thinking upon his name." -Malachi 3:16.

The time is near when everyone on earth will worship Jehovah and fear of man will disappear.  (Isaiah 11:9) Fear of hunger, disease, crime, and war will also be gone.  But the fear of God will remain throughout eternity as his faithful servants  in heaven and on earth continue  to show him due respect, obedience, and honor.  (Revelation 15:4)  Meanwhile, may all of us take to heart the inspired counsel of Solomon:  "Let your heart not be envious of sinners, but be in the fear of Jehovah all day long.  For in that case there will exist a future, and your own hope will not be cut off." -Proverbs 23:17, 18.

Next time: Can You Be Truly Happy?

The Watchtower, 2001