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Friendship and Fear

Friendship
We hear a lot of talking about friendship with God. I think we need to view God as accessible, personal, and relational. It is important to view God as a being that exist outside of religion and wants a relationship with individuals.

But in the dialog to see God in this way, we need to make sure that we don't confuse friendship with familiarity. God is referred to as King, Prince, Lord, Master, Teacher, Almighty, Most High, the Creator... We must not treat Him as a neighbor that we go to when we need a cup of sugar.

Healthy Fear
The concept of the fear of the Lord could be easily overlooked. God wants to be a personal friend, but He also demands this concept of fear. It is much like electricity. It is a very good thing. We all are very close to it and we use it everyday. Although we come in contact with it frequently, we should have a healthy fear to treat it with respect. If it is not feared in this way, you will pay for it. We have become so comfortable with it, we have ads on TV that warn us to be careful with power lines.

We are commanded to fear God in multiple passages including Ecclesiastes 12:13, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

There are multiple stories in the Bible that show how serious God takes the concept of reverence. In one story a man named Uzzah died because they weren't treating God's presence with reverence. 1 Chronicles 13:7-10

Benefits Of Fear
Interestingly enough, the Bible gives us benefits of having a "fear of the Lord."

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
He promises prosperity and inheriting the Land
You get the goodness of the Lord
God will watch over you
You will be happy
God will fulfill your desires, hear you and rescue you
He adds length to your life
He'll be a fortress for you and your children
You can rest content, untouched by trouble
He gives You His mercy

The Bible is full of paradoxes. This is one that we have to get a handle on. We must find the center of relationship and reverence, friendship and fear.

Comments

Anonymous said…
2 in a week!!! I'm impressed.
5:53 AM
Anonymous said…
Pastor g

great article..the friendship and fear thingee. if i were a postmodern, artsy kind of person, i would love to come to your church...besides the coffee is better at your church...sister g
11:27 PM
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