Fear of God

Job 31:23 NIV
For I dreaded destruction from God, and for fear of his splendor I could not do such things.

What do you fear the most? Who do you fear the most?. What are the guiding principles for your life's decisions? What are the factors you consider before taking decisions?

Briefly put, the principles we live by are determined by the fears we live with. If you fear man, and let the fear of man be the guide, then you are in for a lot of heartbreak and disappointment, because man's standards are always changing. He's never consistent so you really cannot know what his expectations. No wonder God says: 'Cursed be every man who puts his trust in man'.

Compare that with a man who has the fear of God as the guiding light of his life. He keeps God at the head of all his decisions. That is why some steps or actions are not possible, simply because of the fear of God in the heart. The fear of God is a guide, a guard and a sieve. It is premised on knowing what God wants or desires and actively pursuing it. Nothing else will matter, except that overwhelming desire to do all that God says. If you find yourself struggling with obeying God's Word, then go back and check your inner contents. Do you really have God? Is your heart occupied with the right Presence or filled with all sorts of junk and debris?

Fortunately, the effects of our decisions are found in the passage before us. There's destruction from God if we fail to obey God or do what he says. Things may look rosy now but believe me, don't take God's grace and mercy for laziness. He's a gracious God but he's undoubtedly, a God of judgement also. Take heed, lest his judgement fall on your disobedience. His time of favour is here.