The Holy!

The Holy!

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 NIV

Context and Charge:

Fear is both a good thing and a bad thing. It depends on the foundation and target of the fear. For example, there are a lot of things we cannot really explain about fires, how they burn and destroy all along their paths, so we strive our best not to start it. Yet, there are a lot of good things fire helps us achieve. We can apply this to a small extent, to the fear of God. God tells us very clearly from His Word who He ism what He is, what He can do, and what happens when we disobey Him. We have that wealth of information about God, so we cannot claim ignorance. What am I to do with all that God has told me about Himself? How does He expect me to process that information? 

Wisdom is defined as 'the body of knowledge and experience that develops within a specified society or period' and 'the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement.' Anyone can become knowledgeable about a subject by reading, researching, and memorizing facts. However, wisdom is what gives me an understanding of what is relevant in certain situations. Information is good, but the power of information lies in its right and timely application. If I claim to know God, yet I am quick to make compromises or bend to popular opinion, what is the value of the information or knowledge of God that I claim to have? 

Conviction and Conclusion:

The fear of God is the foundation of a life of impact. That fear helps me to hate all that God hates and love all that God loves. Knowing God requires a daily and diligent study of the Word of God. If I am to understand who God is, what He does and what He demands from me, the secret is in His manual. The Bible reveals God's heart, and as I personalise the lessons, I know more of God than any other book, theory or seminar will tell me. I note that I am asked to know the Holy One. In this age where it appears that holiness and purity are not fashionable, God's nature of holiness is key. God does not lower His standards for anyone. 

He didn't lower it for David, the man after His heart, or even his son Jesus as he hung on the cross. If this is the standard, please don't settle for the lies of doomed Satan and his cohorts that holiness is impossible. After all, God has not called us to run the race by our own strength. He supplies all I need to walk with Him, with the right heart of fear and an embrace of His nature. The fear of God is not the crippling variant, but that which frees you to love him with all your heart. Take time out daily to add to your store of knowledge of God, so that there will be a bank of information to draw on when the situations of life call on you for a response. God's time of favour is here.