Fright, Part I

There are two types of fear. Godly fear and earthly fear. Earthly fear is the fear of punishment or loss. So, what is different about godly fear? Now, that Jesus has secured our righteousness and our salvation we have no need to look at God as a judge and executioner.Those who believe in Christ are not to be afraid of God's punishment or His wrath.

Instead, Godly fear means to show God reverence and honor. He is God and there is no other. We have heard of His might and read stories of His great wrath towards injustice and wickedness so we know what He is capable of. However, once we know God exists and really believe that in our heart, the next step is to understand who He is. Once we understand God's nature through the teachings of the bible, we must seek to be like Him.

We serve Him and revere Him as King. We humble ourselves to His will and make ourselves servants to God's Kingship. My fear, (which I believe is the definition of godly fear), is to be without Him. I want to please God. I want His presence in my life. I want to be a part of His future kingdom. I fear His absence in my life and I am afraid of not pleasing Him. It is sort of funny but the outward expression of our fear looks the same as earthly fear but the reasons behind the expression is so different.

Psalm 128:1-4

1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.

2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots
around your table.

4 Thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.