The Fear of God vs. The Fear of Missing Out

Christians don't talk much about the fear of the Lord anymore.  Fear gets misinterpreted so easily; it throws seekers off, or so we think.

But in times of uncertainty, a blanketing anxiety hovering over many aspects of life, that very 'fear' might focus our lives, even save them.  How?

First, what is that fear of God? 

It is awe and respect that draw us to our knees.  It is obedience to One who knows and has every right to lead us as we seek Him.  He is all; we like the ants that look up at the huge man they see walking by and comprehend nothing of him and his ways.

But in our times, there is another fear that drives many of us.  FOMO, or the fear of missing out, causes us to relegate our fear and love of God to a lower position when our own desires push their way to the foreground.

One I remember early on was desiring true love, marriage, and family for myself.  When it didn't just 'happen', the fear that I would lose out began to press on my life and behavior. 

"Maybe my standards are too strict, maybe more of a good time is OK," I thought.

Then the compromise comes. I was pulled out of that trap, that temptation myself, but I saw others pulled in, other believers even, whose lives became darker, became 'different.'

The fears can be about success, career, relationships, the whole gamut of hopes we all hold. Once compromise starts, something within us wilts -- the fear of God, our love and obedience to Him and His ways become secondary, or worse.

"He will forgive us after all," we believers think.

What we do not realise is that our lives have turned onto a different path.  If we live according to the world's pattern, we will reap its whirlwind of disaster.  God cannot bless us, use us, or even speak to us in that place. Many know this black place where we no longer hear His voice.

In effect, our own desires have become our idols.  We have become worshippers of our own.....(whatever that desire or fear is).

The first of the commandments puts God above all else:

The following verses go on to show what happens to the subsequent generations of those who live in idolatry, as well as those who do not.  

But.

Your life can be turned back.  That fear of God is the requirement and standard we are shown throughout the Bible.  

"Can I just get forgiveness and go on living?" you ask.

Yes, and no. 

Repentance of that sin means turning away from it. Being sorry is not the same as stepping away and being changed by His power in our lives.  God wants to change each of us into the image of His Son. 

Jesus showed us what the fear of God was, the love of the Father, and how to live out His word. Only He can cleanse us and set us on our feet to begin again in purity of life and purpose.  With God as our only Lord.

So many want to return.  Only those who repent AND follow Him as Saviour and LORD of their lives walk the path of the fear of God.

So that is how He saves us. In that fear of God, we find the focus to live; on that path, there is peace, His presence, and love poured out upon us. He saves our lives quite literally as we follow Him, in fear and in love. He also saves the lives of our children and the generations to come.  Because we follow and fear God, they will be given the means--the good news, and the good examples--to do so as well.

Which fear is driving you? You know what to do...

  Photo by Russell Ferrer on Unsplash.