Why is it important for children to "fear the LORD your God"? Children and the Call to Fear the LORD Deuteronomy 6:24 says, “And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes and to fear the LORD our God, for our own good always and for our preservation, as it is today.” Psalm 34:11 echoes the invitation: “Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” What “Fear of the LORD” Means for Kids • Awe-filled respect for God’s absolute greatness • A settled conviction that His commands are always right • A heartfelt desire to avoid anything that grieves Him • A glad trust that He rewards obedience and judges rebellion Why It Matters Early • Foundation for wisdom – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). Children who start here build every subject—school, life, choices—on solid ground. • Protection from folly – When kids grasp God’s holiness, peer pressure loses its grip. – “In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence” (Proverbs 14:26). • Personal good and preservation – Deuteronomy 6:24 promises that fearing God is “for our own good always.” – It steers children away from self-destructive paths. • Blessing and provision – “The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4). – God delights to meet needs when youngsters honor Him first. • A refuge that spills over to future generations – “His children shall have a place of refuge” (Proverbs 14:26). – One child’s reverence today can anchor an entire family tomorrow (Deuteronomy 6:2). Long-Range Outcomes • Unshakable identity—kids know who they are because they know whose they are. • Moral clarity—they can spot sin for what it is and choose righteousness. • Enduring legacy—grandchildren reap the godly patterns set in motion now. • Eternal perspective—fear of God points them beyond temporary thrills to everlasting joy (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Practical Ways to Cultivate God-Fearing Hearts • Read Scripture aloud daily; let children hear God’s voice for themselves. • Talk about God’s greatness in everyday moments—sunsets, answered prayers, discipline. • Model quick repentance when you sin; show that holy reverence applies to adults too. • Celebrate obedience—affirm when children choose truth over convenience. • Memorize key verses together (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 34:11) to keep truth ready at hand. Grounding children in the fear of the LORD is not a rigid duty but a gracious gift. It positions their hearts for God’s best, guards them from the enemy’s lies, and prepares them to walk in lifelong covenant joy. |
    |