Why is fearing God and shunning evil crucial for believers now? A snapshot from Job 1:8 “Then the LORD said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.’” Unpacking “fear” and “shun” • Fear of God is not terror but deep reverence—an awe rooted in recognizing His holiness, power, and absolute authority (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10). • Shunning evil means turning away, distancing, and refusing any partnership with sin (Psalm 97:10; Romans 12:9). • Scripture presents these two attitudes as inseparable; true reverence naturally produces active resistance to sin (Proverbs 8:13). Why the dual posture matters right now • God still measures faithfulness the way He measured Job’s—by reverence and moral separation (Malachi 3:16-18). • In a culture that normalizes darkness, fearing God guards the heart from compromise (1 John 2:15-17). • Shunning evil protects testimony; believers are “light in the Lord” and called to live “blameless and pure” (Ephesians 5:8-11; Philippians 2:15). • Both attitudes invite God’s favor and protection—“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him” (Psalm 34:7). Scripture’s consistent call • Ecclesiastes 12:13 — “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” • Proverbs 14:27 — “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” • 2 Timothy 2:19 — “Everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” • James 4:7 — “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Practical ways to live it out 1. Daily Scripture intake—God’s Word clarifies what to revere and what to reject (Psalm 19:7-11). 2. Instant obedience—respond quickly when the Spirit convicts; delayed obedience breeds compromise. 3. Evaluate influences—media, friendships, habits; if it feeds irreverence or temptation, cut it off (Matthew 5:29-30). 4. Cultivate worship—regular praise magnifies God and shrinks the allure of sin (Psalm 96:4-9). 5. Fellowship with the upright—community strengthens resolve to honor God (Hebrews 10:24-25). Promises tied to fearing God and shunning evil • Provision: “Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing.” (Psalm 34:9) • Guidance: “He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.” (Psalm 25:12) • Stability: “The fear of the LORD is a secure fortress.” (Proverbs 14:26) • Eternal reward: “Blessed are those who wash their robes… outside are the evildoers.” (Revelation 22:14-15) Takeaway Because Scripture is accurate and literal, Job’s example still sets the standard. Revering God and rejecting evil keeps believers aligned with His character, shelters them from destructive compromise, and positions them to experience His richest blessings today. |
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