TWO BENEFITS OF THE RIGHT KIND OF FEAR

PROVERBS 14:26-27 NKJ 
26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, 
And His children will have a place of refuge. 
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, 
To turn one away from the snares of death. 

OBSERVATION: 

Is there a right kind of fear? 

If we are talking about the fear of the future or fear of rejection or any of the multitude of phobias that exist, then no! 

But there is a fear of the Lord. But that fear is not being afraid of His punishment. Nor is it a fear of His rejection if we don't do everything right.   

A fear of the Lord is a reverence and respect for Him. Fear of the Lord means we do not treat Him casually. He is to be held in highest esteem with a desire to honor Him. This is the right kind of fear.   

And this fear of the Lord plays a key role in two areas.   

The first is our confidence with God. When we reverence and respect Him, it builds a strong confidence in our hearts. We know we have a place of refuge, a safe place in Him. 

The second benefit is that a reverence and respect for God helps us stay on the right track. Staying away from the sin and toxic attitudes that do not produce anything good in our lives.   

When we have a great respect for the Lord and want to honor Him with our lives, it helps us walk on that straight narrow way that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 7:14.   

APPLICATION: 

Having great respect for someone will impact how we act towards them.   

I had lunch with my pastor, John Osteen, about a year after we started The Ark. I drove down to the Galleria area and wore a coat and tie in the middle of summer. And it was not because I felt like driving or relished the idea of a coat and tie in Houston heat.   

My heart was to show honor to someone I had great respect for. My week was altered to fit his schedule.   

By the same token, we alter our lives to fit the Lord's plan. Not from fear of punishment but respect and honor for the One who loved us and gave Himself for us.   

PRAYER: 

Thank You, Lord, that I can have great confidence in You. That I can turn away from what is wrong in order to honor You.