Excerpts from Battle Cry Good vs. Evil
Chapter 18 Fear of the Lord:
Fear is a reverent respect for God’s authority. It’s the fear of the consequences, when we don’t follow the Spirit’s lead and fail to obey an all-knowing and all-powerful God. Proverbs 19:23 (NLT) says, “Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.” Luke 1:50 (NLT) says, “He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.” Some people have the attitude that nobody should be telling us what to do, or dictate how we live. Some confuse freedom with the right to act the way they want. With respect to governing authorities, the structure of society in which we live, is founded on God. In Mark 12:17 (NLT) Jesus said, “Well then, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” Rules and regulations are set forth to keep us safe and help us prosper. Without rules or regulations, social and civil order would be at risk. Romans 13:1–2 (NLT) says, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.” How often do we stop and think about what God is trying to accomplish through those in positions of authority? How often do those in positions of authority think about what God is trying to accomplish through them?
God wants us to fear authority. Fear is a sign of respect, knowing we will be held accountable for our actions. When we fear the Lord, parents, teachers, and police, it’s a sign of respect for their authority. Romans 13:3–5 (NLT) says, “For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.” Is what we see going on in the world today an indication we respect those in authority as God’s servants?
Author’s comments: Let’s get real. There are some people in positions of authority who do not act like God’s servants. They abuse their authority and do not deserve respect. But even if we don’t respect the person in the position of authority, we must maintain respect for the position.
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