The lack of the fear of God is a profound failing that leads to dire consequences in a person's life and relationship with Him. When individuals do not fear God, they fail to recognize His power, holiness, and justice, which are essential for understanding His purpose and their place in it. This absence of fear results in a contemptuous attitude, often revealed through conduct rather than words, where the sacrifice of Christ is treated as negligible and God's judgment is disregarded. Such a disposition shows a heart that does not prioritize a relationship with Him, leading to actions that reflect disdain and a lack of regard for His will. Without the fear of God, people are unable to attain the true knowledge that leads to salvation and a right relationship with Him. This missing dimension causes knowledge to become an instrument of destruction rather than life, as seen in the world's violence, broken families, and moral decay. The lack of fear in Adam and Eve, influenced by satan's deception that they would not die, directly led to their sin and the ensuing pain for all mankind, demonstrating how the absence of this fear unleashes catastrophic consequences. Similarly, many today, though acknowledging a Creator, do not fear Him in a way that compels them to take Him into account in every facet of life, resulting in a failure to live according to His purpose. The absence of godly fear also means individuals do not react appropriately to Him, failing to run from sin or to make choices aligned with His will. This lack prevents the development of godly character and submission to His way, blurring moral and ethical direction. As seen in historical examples like Judah, who sought alliances with other nations instead of trusting God for protection against the Assyrians, the lack of fear manifests as a conspiracy against Him, leading to stumbling and faithlessness. Ultimately, without the fear of God, instilled as a gift by Him, there is no foundation for true wisdom, understanding, or a life that pleases Him, leaving individuals vulnerable to the fiery judgment from which only He can save.

The lack of fear of God is a profound issue that hinders a true relationship with Him. Many today misunderstand this fear, viewing it as negative and something to be replaced by love, yet it is the key to unlocking the treasuries of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. Without this fear, as seen in Hosea 4:6, God's people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge, indicating a failure to revere Him since fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Historical examples reveal this absence vividly. Aaron's sons were struck down for disrespecting God, failing to honor Him by not carrying out their responsibilities as prescribed, showing that even their familial ties did not exempt them from His justice. Adam and Eve, despite seeing God, rejected His counsel for the serpent's advice, reducing Him to the level of a mere man and displaying no honor through obedience. Similarly, Israel, after being freed from Egypt and entering a covenant with God, quickly turned to a golden calf, worshiping Him according to familiar human precepts rather than His true nature, demonstrating how easily disrespect emerges. In the time of Jesus Christ, the people did not recognize Him as their Creator and Savior, treating Him as a common criminal and killing Him due to a lack of true knowledge and fear of God. Their concepts of Him were shaped by human teachings, not personal experience or His Word, leading to idolatry and rejection. Even today, cultural influences glorify human accomplishments, reducing God to mere concepts and fostering a casual approach that lacks reverence. This absence of fear manifests in everyday behaviors, such as inattentiveness during worship or disrespect in dress and conduct, reflecting a failure to honor God's presence and terms. Reciprocity is crucial; if we do not respect Him, He will not draw near to us. The lack of fear stems from not truly knowing Him, as reverence requires a personal relationship initiated by God, which must be learned and cultivated through living with Him as part of our lives. Without this, we remain focused on ourselves, unable to give Him the honor due to His greatness and sovereignty.

Fear is the enemy of all God's people and His firstfruits. We must not fear men, governments, wars, riots, food shortages, or diseases like COVID, but instead, we must fear God. The fear of COVID has taken a heavy toll on God's churches and people worldwide, dividing congregations and causing brethren to leave groups over differing opinions, not doctrine. Some failed to keep the Feast of Tabernacles out of fear of contracting COVID, choosing to stay home or stream services from temporary dwellings, thus not fully living by every Word of God. Many of God's people fear their unconverted mates more than God, struggling with tithing, keeping the Feast, and avoiding pagan holidays. Others fear college professors or high school teachers, attending the Feast for only a few days due to concerns about grades and careers. Over the years, brethren have feared their bosses or employers more than God, working on the Sabbath or missing the entire Feast of Tabernacles out of fear of losing their jobs. As humans and firstfruits, we often fear many things more than we fear God and His Word.