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 Practically
all brethren know that “fear God” means revere or respect
Him, but I wonder if we have given proper attention to “reverence.”
In the Greek, phobos meant “panic” as in flight from
battle; or, the opposite of “courage”; or, “awe,
reverence,” — the feeling of one in presence of an
infinitely superior being. The question is, do we truly
recognize God’s presence, and feel this “reverence”?
Reverence
for God is obviously the child of faith — believing we are in
the presence of the ultimate superior being. Man may feel an
intimacy, a closeness (as child for father) with such a being;
but there could never be familiarity in such a relation.
A “Hi, Dad!” attitude, most charitably considered, shows a
lack of appreciation for the true nature of God. Paul charges
sinners as having “no fear of God before their eyes” (Rom.
3:18).
“Fear”
of God keeps man reaching for higher goals, for ideals; keeps
him living in the shadow of eternity. We “sojourn” through
this life as we “seek a country” (1 Pet.1:17). When Christ
is “Lord” in our hearts we testify
of our hope “with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15).
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God’s
presence imparts to the true believer an awareness of
accountability and judgment. “Having therefore these promises,
dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of
the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”
(2 Cor. 7:1). In God’s presence saints “work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12).
We
are not pleading for externals: for “quietness in the church
building” or “cathedral” voice tones. True reverence is
within, and although it is reflected in behavior, we can not put
out what we have not put in. Too much stress on the
demonstration for demonstration’s sake can only make us
greater hypocrites. God desires goodness, and not sacrifice; and
the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings” (Hos. 6:6).
“Fear”
(in its bad sense) is cast out by love (1 Jn. 4:18); but awe,
respect, and reverent “fear” will ever mark those in His
presence (Rev. 1:10).
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