The fear of the Lord is a vital foundation in our lives, essential to God's purpose and the practical operations of Christianity. It undergirds faith, hope, and love, serving as the beginning of knowledge and the key to the treasures of God. Losing this fear, or allowing it to stagnate, hinders growth in all other facets of Christianity, as it is crucial for reverence and respect toward Him. A subtle trap exists in losing the fear of God by becoming unbalanced in our perception of His immensity. When we consider the vastness of His creation and power, we might feel insignificant and doubt that He could be mindful of us. Such thoughts question His Word and His ability to focus on each of us, despite His assurance that we are the apple of His eye. Disrespecting God's instructions, as seen in various biblical examples, often leads to swift judgment. This pattern of losing fear and respect manifests in disobedience, treating the holy as common, and questioning His decisions. Such actions, whether through temper, involuntary reactions, or deliberate irreverence, result in consequences that underscore the importance of maintaining a proper fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord spans from sheer terror to loving, reverential awe, encompassing the full range of emotions needed to guide us. Losing this fear, even momentarily, can lead to disobedience and a breakdown in faith, as it did with Moses when he struck the rock in frustration. We must strive to maintain this fear, understanding that God expects exact obedience and holds us accountable, ensuring we conform to His will with the respect and reverence He deserves.

The fear of God is a vital force that draws us closer to Him, contrary to the instinct to flee from fear. Those who trembled at His Word, like the 120 who waited in Jerusalem as Jesus Christ commanded, demonstrated their reverence and commitment. Their respect for His simple instruction to wait brought unity and allowed divine order to be satisfied, revealing a portion of His glory. In contrast, people who do not fear God drift away from Him, failing to heed His counsel. The absence of this fear leads to grave consequences, as seen with Ananias and Sapphira. Their desire for the praise of men overpowered their reverence for God, causing them to deceive and lie through His representative, Peter. They feared men more than God, prioritizing their reputation over truth and integrity, and paid dearly for their lack of holy fear. If they had truly feared God, they would not have dared to deceive Him. This event instilled great fear in the church, serving as a jolt against complacency and prompting self-reflection among the brethren. The fear of God is not a negative trait but a positive attribute, essential alongside love. It acts as the first line of defense against sin, preventing us from taking Him for granted or growing contemptuous of His commands. Without this fear, even figures like Nadab and Abihu, and Ananias and Sapphira, fell into grave error. Had satan feared God, he would not have attempted to wage war against Him. This fear, which we must grow into, restrains us from foolish actions and supports faith, hope, and love in our relationship with Him. God respects those who respect Him, looking to bless those who tremble at His Word. This fear does not hinder love but enhances it, drawing us nearer to Him by motivating us to be on our best behavior and to please Him. It protects us from sin's destructive power, much like a healthy fear of danger keeps one safe. The apostle Paul, despite his deep understanding, acknowledged knowing the terror of the Lord, emphasizing its necessity in our lives. The fear of the Lord is synonymous with hating evil, as God hates sin. If we truly fear Him, we will avoid sin, allowing love to flourish. The greater our fear of God, the less room there is for sin, and the deeper our love for Him becomes. This fear motivates service to Him, ensuring we do not serve lesser fears or desires over His will.