Fear Leads To Knowledge

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

(Proverbs 1:7)

As a nonbeliever, I thought fearing a nonexistent god, no one could even see, was the epitome of foolishness. I mocked those who told me I should fear and follow Jesus. I was determined to live my life as I saw fit. The concept of right and wrong, good and evil, were up to me and I needn’t worry about any consequences or eternal punishment. I remembered just enough about religion, from my exposure as a child, to resist any attempt to convert me.

Before Jesus saved me, deep down, I knew there was a difference between right and wrong, but I didn’t want to give up control of my life to anyone; especially a god I didn’t believe in. After my repentance, I saw everything in black and white, true and false, good and evil, instead of the gray areas the world wants me to see. I realized how foolish I was not to fear God. Now that I am saved, I have a healthy respect for the one who created all things because of his awesome power and majesty.

Once I submitted myself to him, he brought balance to my life. That was the beginning of my knowledge Jesus and what he did for me. The knowledge that is essential for eternal life in heaven. Many things about God and his righteousness became clearer than ever before. I didn’t automatically understand everything there is to know just because I was saved. For instance, I understood nothing about what a Triune God was. In fact, I’ll probably never fully understand that this side of glory.

Fearing the Lord does not mean I sit quaking in dread of a vengeful God. The only person who needs to tremble in fear of God is the one who tries to live without the lordship of Jesus Christ. I know that he has the right and authority to punish me for every evil thing I’ve ever done. It’s only his shed blood that paid for the pardon I need to escape that punishment. Anyone can have that same pardon and start the journey to the ultimate knowledge. It begins by repenting of your sins, confessing Christ as the Lord of your life, and being immersed in the cleansing waters of baptism. 

Heavenly Father, in every way possible, we know you to be great and glorious. If it were not for the fact that you abound in mercy and grace, we would have every reason to tremble in fear at the mere mention of your name. We used to think it was foolish to fear and invisible God. Forgive us for foolishly denying your existence in the ignorance of youth. Thank you for the gift of your inspired Word that will lead us to the beginning of knowledge. Even though we will never know everything there is to know before we pass into eternity, we are hungry to learn as much as we can. We pray that you will give our elders, preachers, and teachers the ability to share with us the truth of all you have given them. Give us the words to share with the foolish people in our lives that have, so far, rejected the good news of Jesus Christ. Encourage us even when they ridicule us for our faith, but don’t let us give up on them. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!