How does fearing God influence our daily decisions and actions? Setting the Scene “ And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own.” (Exodus 1:21) Pharaoh had decreed death for every Hebrew boy. Two women, Shiphrah and Puah, risked their lives by rejecting that order. Scripture highlights one motive: they “feared God.” Their reverence outweighed every threat, and God honored them with households of their own. That single verse illustrates how fearing the LORD steers decisions and invites His blessing. What the Fear of God Is—and Is Not • Awe-filled reverence that recognizes His holiness, justice, and power (Psalm 33:8–9). • A worshipful dread of displeasing Him, coupled with love and trust (Deuteronomy 10:12–13). • Not a paralyzing terror for believers, but a motivating awareness of divine authority and accountability (1 John 4:18, balanced with 2 Corinthians 5:11). The Midwives’ Choice in Focus • Pharaoh’s command: kill newborn Hebrew boys (Exodus 1:16). • Their response: spare the children, then give an honest-yet-shrewd answer (1:17, 19). • Outcome: God personally rewarded their obedience (1:20–21). Lesson: When God is feared, human power loses its grip. Moral courage flourishes. Daily Decisions Shaped by Godly Fear 1. Integrity over convenience – Proverbs 8:13: “To fear the LORD is to hate evil.” – Refusing shady shortcuts at work or online. 2. Truthful speech – Proverbs 14:2: “He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD.” – Saying what is right even if it costs popularity. 3. Protection of life and justice – Exodus midwives valued every infant; we safeguard the vulnerable, defend the oppressed, oppose abortion and exploitation. 4. Stewardship of money and possessions – Proverbs 3:9–10; Malachi 3:16. – Budgeting, giving, and investing as managers, not owners. 5. Sexual purity and marital faithfulness – Hebrews 13:4. – Choosing faithfulness when temptation whispers. 6. Parenting and leadership – Ephesians 6:4; Joshua 24:15. – Modeling reverence before children or teams. 7. Worship, rest, and time management – Psalm 90:12; Ecclesiastes 12:13. – Scheduling around God’s priorities, not squeezing Him in. 8. Attitude under pressure – Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.” – Calm resilience when culture collides with conviction. Promises Linked to God-Fearing Living • Wisdom and knowledge – Proverbs 1:7; Job 28:28. • Security – Proverbs 14:26: “In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence.” • Provision – Psalm 34:9–10; Exodus 1:21. • Intimate guidance – Psalm 25:12–14. • Long-term legacy – Psalm 112:1–2: “Blessed is the man who fears the LORD… his descendants will be mighty in the land.” Cultivating a Healthy Fear Today • Daily Scripture intake: let God’s voice set the moral compass. • Regular self-examination and confession (Psalm 139:23–24). • Corporate worship: reminders of His majesty (Hebrews 12:28–29). • Fellowship with God-fearing believers: courage grows in community (Acts 9:31). • Remembering the cross: awe for holiness, gratitude for grace—both fuel godly fear (1 Peter 1:17–19). Fear of the LORD is not a relic of the Exodus; it is the heartbeat of wise, courageous, and blessed living today. |
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