Proverbs 1:7 AMPC
[7] The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.
We live in strange times now. The things our parents saw as abominations have now become the norm these days. We are not as shocked these days at the things our parents seemed to abhor. Is it that our parents were a bit too strict, or is it that the right foundations of conviction are being eroded on a daily basis? We are now being told that sin is no longer sin, and that influence, earnings and time can change the standard that God has laid since the foundation of the world. Well, unfortunately, God's standards are not subject to my own interpretation, and nothing I say or do can reduce who God is in any way. What He said was wrong in Genesis is still wrong in Revelation, and as many as come to Him, no matter the dispensation or generation, still experience His power, grace and favour. He is still looking for people in whom He can show Himself strong on their behalf.
That is the message in the verse above. We speak of fear as a bad thing, but with God, it is a good thing as well as a note of caution. Fear always dictates a reaction or response, and this is mainly in a bad way, but in this case, it warns me of the standards God wants me to keep and tells me His expectations and demands from me. If I claim to be His own, I will not struggle with submission and the fear that glorifies Him. This is a fear that is good; it reminds me of my humanity and God's divinity, and also makes it clear that God will not settle for anything less than my all. I also note that the verse refers to the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom. There is a lot to learn about who God is, and it is only fitting that the place to start is where God is: a place of reverence and worship. You will not react well to a God whose authority and power you do not recognise and respect. Do I really fear God or is just talk?
Of course, for everything God does, there is an alternative position. For everyone who fears God, there is one person who has no regard for spiritual things. For as many as would not fear God the right way, the verse above refers to them as fools. If you will not accept the authority of God upon your life, it means that you are submitting control to the other authority that is not God. As we have said repeatedly, God does not force Himself on anyone, neither does He go against the exercise of His freewill. If I despise Godly counsel, or find it difficult to embrace constructive criticism or discipline, it is a sign that God is not in charge. Men may still be applauding the output, but that output may lack God's input, and anything that God is not involved with is destined to end in failure. As always, the choice is mine to make, but there are eternal consequences for every choice. Only one has an end with God; choose wisely and see God work. Don't be a fool. God's time of favour is here.
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