DEVELOP YOUR HEART TO FEAR JEHOVAH - To Love God Is To Fear Him

To Love God Is To Fear Him

From a Scriptural standpoint, fearing God does not in any way rule out loving him.  On the contrary, the Israelites were instructed to  "fear Jehovah . . .so as to walk in all his ways and to love him." (Deuteronomy 10:12)  Thus fear of God and love of God are closely connected.  Fear of God moves us to walk in his ways, and this in turn gives proof of our love for him.  (1 John 5:3)  This is logical because when we love someone, we rightly fear to hurt him.  The Israelites  hurt Jehovah by their rebellious course in the wilderness.  Surely we would not want to do anything to bring such sorrow to our heavenly Father.  (Psalm 78:40, 41)  On the other hand, since "Jehovah is finding pleasuring in those fearing him," our obedience and faithfulness  make his heart rejoice.  (Psalm 147:11; Proverbs 27:11)  Love of God moves us to please him, and fear of God holds us beck from hurting him.  They are complementary, not contradictory, qualities.

The life course of Jesus Christ clearly illustrates how we can love and fear God at the same time.  Of Jesus the prophet Isaiah wrote:  "Upon him the spirit of Jehovah must settle down, the spirit of wisdom  and of understanding, the spirit of counsel and of mightiness, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah; and there will be enjoyment by him in the fear of Jehovah." (Isaiah  11:2, 3) According to this prophecy God's spirit moved Jesus to fear his heavenly Father.  Furthermore, we not that this fear, far from being restrictive, was a source of satisfaction.  Jesus found delight in doing God's will and in pleasing him, even in the most difficult circumstances.  When faced with impending execution on the torture stake, he told Jehovah:  "Not as I will, but as you will."  (Matthew 26:39) Because of his godly fear, Jehovah listened favorably to his Son's supplications, strengthened him, and saved him out of  death. -Hebrews 5:7.

Next time: DEVELOP YOUR HEART TO FEAR JEHOVAH -Learning to Fear Jehovah

The Watchtower, 2001

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

"To Him You Should Cling

Reverential fear of God and acute awareness of his awesome power are precursors of trust and confidence in Jehovah.  Just as a young child feels protected when his father is near, so we feel secure and confident under Jehovah's guiding hand.  Note how the Israelites reacted after Jehovah led them out of Egypt:  "Israel also got to see the great hand that Jehovah put in action against the Egyptians; and the people began to fear Jehovah and to put faith in Jehovah."  (Exodus 14:31) Elisha's experience also testifies to the fact that  "the angel of Jehovah is camping all around those fearing him and he rescues them."  (Psalm 34:7; 2 Kings 6:15-17)  the modern-day history of Jehovah's people and likely our own personal experience confirm that God does exercise his power in behalf of those who serve him.  (2 Chronicles 16:9) Thus we come to appreciate that "in the fear of Jehovah there is strong confidence." -Proverbs 14:16.

Wholesome fear of God not only fosters trust and confidence in him but also motivate us to walk in his ways.  When Solomon inaugurated the temple, the prayed to Jehovah:  "May [Israel] fear you by walking  in your ways all the days that they are alive upon the surface of the ground that you gave to our forefathers."  (2 Chronicles 6:31) Earlier, Moses urged  the Israelites:  'After Jehovah your God you should walk, and him you should fear, and his commandments you should keep and to his voice you should listen, and to him you should cling."  (Deuteronomy 13:4) As these verses clearly show, the desire to walk in Jehovah's ways and to "cling" to him comes from trust and confidence in God.  Yes, godly fear leads us to obey Jehovah, to serve him, and to cling to him, just as a young child may literally cling to his father in whom he has implicit trust and confidence. -Psalm 63:8; Isaiah 41:13.

Next time: DEVELOP YOUR HEART TO FEAR JEHOVAH -To Love God Is To Fear Him

The Watchtower, 2001

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

DEVELOP YOUR HEART TO FEAR JEHOVAH

"If only they would develop this heart of theirs to fear me and to keep all my commandments always."-DEUTERONOMY 5:29.


FEAR has haunted mankind for centuries.  Fear of hunger, disease, crime, or war keeps millions of people in constant anxiety.  For this reason the preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights expresses the desire to bring about a world where all humans will enjoy freedom from fear.  Happily, God himself assures us that such a world will come-although not by human efforts.  Through his prophet Micah, Jehovah promises us that in his new world of righteousness,  'no one will make his people tremble.' -Micah 4:4.

On the other hand, fear can also  be a possible force in Scriptures, God's servants are repeatedly urged to fear Jehovah.  Moses told the Israelites:  "Jehovah your God you should fear, and him you should serve."  (Deuteronomy 6:13)  Centuries later Solomon wrote:  "Fear the true God and keep his commandments.  For this is the whole obligation of man."  (Ecclesiastes  12:13)  Through our witnessing work, carried out under angelic supervision, we likewise urge all people to "fear God and give him glory."  (Revelation 14:6, 7)  In addition to fearing Jehovah, Christians must love him with their whole heart.  (Matthew  22:37, 38) How can we love God and at the same time fear him?  Why is it necessary to fear a loving God?  What benefits do we derive from cultivating godly fear?  To answer these questions, we must first understand what the fear of God means and how this type of fear forms a fundamental part of our relationship  with Jehovah.

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

The Watchtower, 2001

You Can Avoid a Spiritual Heart Attack - Safeguard the Heart

Safeguard the Heart

The Bible principle that "whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap" applies to the health of our figurative heart as well.  (Galatians 6:7) Often, what appears to be a sudden spiritual disaster turns out to have been the result of a long secret history of indulgence in such spiritually damaging pursuits  as viewing pornography, being excessively concerned with material things, or striving for prominence or power. 

To protect the heart, therefore, it is essential to watch one's spiritual diet.  Nourish the mind and heart by feeding on the Word of God. Shun the mental junk food that is so readily available and so appealing to the flesh but that only results in making the figurative heart insensitive.  The psalmist cautions with a fitting-and medically sound-analogy.  "Their heart has become unfeeling just like fat." -Psalm 119:70

If there are long-standing secret faults, try hard to eradicate them lest they clog up your  figurative arteries.  If the world begins to look attractive and seems to be offering much to the way of pleasure and enjoyment, meditate on the wise counsel offered by the apostle Paul.  He wrote:  "This I say, brothers, the time is left reduced.  Henceforth let those . . .making use of the world [be]as those not using it to the full; for the scene of this world is changing."  (1 Corinthians 7:29-31) And, if material riches should start to beckon, take to heart Job's words:   "If I have put gold as my confidence, or to gold I have said, 'You are my trust!' that too would be an error for attention by the justices. for I should have denied the true God above." -Job 31:24, 28; Psalm 62:10; 1 Timothy 6:9, 10.

Pointing to the seriousness of habitually ignoring Bible-based counsel, the Bible warns:  "A man repeatedly reproved but making his neck hard will suddenly be broken, that without healing."  (Proverbs 29:1)  On the contrary, by taking good care of our figurative heart, we can experience the pleasure and the peace of mind that comes from living a simple, uncluttered life.  This has always been the recommended way of true Christianity.  The apostle Paul was inspired to write:  "To be sure, it is a means of great gain, this godly devotion along with self-sufficiency. For we have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out.  So, having sustenance and  covering , we shall be content with these things." -1 Timothy 6:6-8.

Yes, training and exercising ourselves  in the way of godly devotion will ensure that we have a healthy and strong figurative heart.  By keeping a close watch on our spiritual diet, we will allow no room for this world's destructive ways and thinking to cause any harm or damage to our spirituality.   Above all, by accepting Jehovah's provisions through his organization, may we regularly submit ourselves to checkups of our figurative heart.  Diligently doing so will go a long way toward avoiding the sad consequences of a spiritual heart attack. 

Next time:DEVELOP YOUR HEART TO FEAR JEHOVAH

The Watchtower, 2001

You Can Avoid a Spiritual Heart Attack

Do Not Ignore Warning Signs

It is with good reason that the Scriptures give high priority to the condition of the figurative heart.  At Jeremiah 17:9, 10, we read: "The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate.  Who can know it?  I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, examining the kidneys, even to give to each one according to his ways, according to the fruitage of his dealings."  But besides examining our heart,  Jehovah also makes loving provisions to help us in making the needed self-examination.

Through "the faithful and discreet slave,"  we are given timely reminders.  (Matthew 24:45) For example, one of the chief ways in which our figurative heart could deceive us is by causing us to indulge in worldly fantasies.  These are unrealistic imaginations, daydreams, idle mind wanderings.  Such can become very harmful, especially if they arouse unclean thoughts.  Hence, we must reject them completely.  If we hate lawlessness as Jesus did, we will guard our heart against indulging in worldly fantasies. -Hebrews 1:8, 9. 

Additionally, we have the help of loving elders in the Christian congregation.  While the concern of others is certainly appreciated, the responsibility to take care of our figurative heart finally rests with each one of us personally.  It is up to us individually to "make sure of all things" and to 'keep testing whether we are in the faith.' -1 Thessalonians 5:21; 2 Corinthians 13:5.

Next time: You Can Avoid a Spiritual Heart Attack - Safeguard the Heart

The Watchtower, 2001

You Can Avoid a Spiritual Heart Attack - Overconfidence

Overconfidence.  Many victims of a heart attack were very confident about their state of health just prior to their heart attack.  Often, checkups or medical examinations were brushed off or even laughed off as completely unnecessary.  Similarly, some may feel that since they have been Christians for a while, nothing could possibly happen to them.  (wrong attitude)  They may neglect submitting themselves to spiritual checkups or self-examination  until disaster strikes.  It is vital to keep in mind the good counsel against overconfidence as given by the apostle Paul: "Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall."  The course of wisdom is to acknowledge  our imperfect nature and to examine ourselves spiritually from time to time. -1 Corinthians 10:12; Proverbs 28:14

Next time: You Can Avoid a Spiritual Heart Attack - Do Not Ignore Warning Signs

The Watchtower, 2001

You Can Avoid a Spiritual Heart Attack -Stress

Stress.  Yet, another major cause of physical heart attacks is excessive stress.  Similarly, stress, or "anxieties of life," can easily prove fatal to the figurative heart, even causing the victim to cease serving God entirely.   Timely is Jesus' warning in this regard:  "Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare."  (Luke 21:34, 35) Stress can also be brought to bear on our figurative heart if we agonize over a secret sin for a prolonged period of time.  King David learned from experience the pain associated with such harmful stress when he said:  "There is no peace in my bones on account of my sin.  For my own errors have passed over my head; like a heavy load they are too heavy for me." -Psalm 38:3, 4.

Next time: You Can Avoid a Spiritual Heart Attack - Overconfidence

The Watchtower, 2001

You Can Avoid a Spiritual Heart Attack -Exercise

Exercise.

It is well-known that a sedentary life-style can contribute to physical heart attacks.  Similarly,  a spiritually sedentary life-style can have serious consequences.  For example, a person may have some share in the Christian ministry but may limit this to what might be called the comfort zone, putting forth little or no effort to become "a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright."  (2 Timothy 2:15) Or one may attend some Christian meetings but may do little to prepare for and participate in them.  There may be no spiritual goals or appetite or enthusiasm for spiritual things.  The lack of spiritual exercise eventually weakens, even deadens, what faith he might once have had.  (James 2:26)  The apostle Paul noted this danger when writing to Hebrew Christians, some of whom apparently had fallen into such a  sedentary spiritual life-style.  Notice how he warned of the possible hardening effect this could have on their spirituality.  "Beware, brothers, for fear there should ever develop in any one of you  a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God; but keep on exhorting one another each day, as long as it may be called  'Today.' for fear any one of you should become hardened by the deceptive power of sin." -Hebrews 3:12, 13.

Next time: You Can Avoid a Spiritual Heart Attack -Stress

The Watchtower, 2001

You Can Avoid a Spiritual Heart Attack - Anatomy of a Figurative Heart Attack

Anatomy of a Figurative Heart Attack

As with physical heart disease, one of the surest ways to prevent a heart attack spiritually speaking is to learn of its causes and then take steps to do something about them.  So let us consider some of the basic factors that contribute to problems of the heart-literal and figurative.

Diet. It is generally accepted that junk food, though appealing to the palate, offers little or no health benefits.  Similarly, mental junk food is readily available and tantalizing to the senses, but it is detrimental to one's spiritual health.  Cleverly marketed in the media is a profusion of material that features illicit sex and drugs, violence, and the occult.  Feeding one's mind on such a diet is deadly to the figurative heart.  God's Word warns:  "Everything in the world-the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one's means of life -does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world.  Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is it desire , but he that does the will of God remains forever. -1 John 2:16, 17. 

Healthful foods, like fruits and green vegetables, offer little appeal to a junk-food addict.  Likewise, wholesome and solid spiritual food may have little appeal to a person who has become accustomed to feeding his mind and heart on worldly fare.  For a time, he may subsist on  the "milk" of God's Word.  (Hebrews 5:13) In the long run, he doe snot develop the spiritual maturity needed to should his basic spiritual responsibilities in the Christian congregations and ministry.  (Matthew 24:14; 28:19; Hebrews 1-0:24, 25)  Some in that situation have allowed their spiritual strength to dwindle to such a point that they become inactive, or nonpracticing, Witnesses!

Another danger is that outward appearance can be deceptive.  Perfunctory performance of Christian duties may mask the growing frailty of a figurative heart that is weakened by secret indulgence in materialistic philosophies or entertainment that features immorality, violence, or the occult.  Such a faulty  spiritual diet may appear to have little effect on one's spirituality, but it could paralyze the figurative heart the way a poor diet can  harden the arteries and damage the literal heart.  Jesus warned against allowing improper desires to enter one's heart.  He said:  "Everyone that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."  (Matthew 5:28)  Yes, a poor spiritual diet can lead to a spiritual heart attack.  Yet, there are further concerns.

Next time: You Can Avoid a Spiritual Heart Attack - Exercise

The Watchtower, 2001