How can we "fear the LORD" in our daily lives today? Grounded in Joshua’s Charge “Now therefore fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth. Put away the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.” – Joshua 24:14 What “Fear the LORD” Means • Reverent awe that recognizes God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:1–5). • Whole-hearted submission that results in obedience (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). • Joyful worship mixed with trembling respect (Psalm 2:11; Hebrews 12:28). Why This Matters Today • Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the LORD is the doorway to true knowledge. • Ecclesiastes 12:13 – It sums up our entire purpose. • 1 Peter 1:17 – It shapes daily conduct under the Father’s watchful eye. Daily Practices that Cultivate Holy Fear 1. Start each day in Scripture. • Read, meditate, and memorize portions that reveal God’s character (Psalm 119:38). 2. Obey promptly and completely. • Small acts of obedience are acts of worship (John 14:15). 3. Reject every form of idolatry. • Identify modern “gods” (career, approval, entertainment). • Actively “put away” what competes with loyalty to Christ (1 John 5:21). 4. Speak His name with honor. • Avoid casual or flippant references to God (Exodus 20:7). • Let conversation be seasoned with grace and truth (Ephesians 4:29). 5. Worship with both heart and body. • Gather faithfully with believers (Hebrews 10:25). • Sing, bow, give, and serve in ways that display His worth. 6. Practice continual awareness of His presence. • Whisper thanks, confess sin quickly, seek His guidance throughout the day (Psalm 139:1-12). 7. Choose integrity over convenience. • Conduct business, finances, and relationships transparently (Proverbs 11:1). 8. Serve others sacrificially. • Fear of the LORD expresses itself in love for people made in His image (Matthew 25:40). 9. Steward time and resources wisely. • View every gift as entrusted by a holy Owner (1 Chronicles 29:14). 10. End each day in self-examination. • Invite the Spirit to search and correct (Psalm 139:23-24). Guarding Against Modern Idols • Entertainment overload – set screen limits, elevate Scripture intake. • Materialism – practice generosity and contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8). • Self-promotion – cultivate humility and hidden service (Matthew 6:1-4). Blessings Promised to Those Who Fear Him • Guidance – “He will instruct him in the way chosen for him” (Psalm 25:12). • Protection – “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him” (Psalm 34:7). • Mercy – “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:13). • Lasting satisfaction – “The fear of the LORD leads to life” (Proverbs 19:23). Choose Whom You Will Serve Just as Joshua challenged Israel, everyday choices declare whom we serve. By cultivating reverent awe, immediate obedience, and single-minded loyalty, we walk in the ancient yet ever-relevant command: “Fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth.” |
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