Fear the LORD

— Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…”

In an age where we think ourselves so wise, it is unthinkable how we no longer fear the Lord God. Our casual culture has cultivated irreverence and arrogance towards our Creator. How can it be that we who “address as Father the One who judges impartially” (1 Peter 1:17a) do not “conduct [ourselves] in reverence” here in our “temporary residence”? Answer: we do not know Him.

If we took the time to get to know God, our response would be materially changed. In such effort there is no doubt God would inculcate a sense of awe and wonder that would produce a healthy fear of the Lord. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”

It is our shallow and casual disrespect of the Almighty in our churches that has prevented this understanding. While I do not discount the need to incorporate contemporary styles of musical worship (anyone who knows me will attest, as I play drums in church), I lament the side-affect produced in many congregations of turning worship into entertainment. What I find interesting is that it’s not the music per se, but rather the attitude. I could argue modern, even progressive music could set the stage for effective worship. If one defines worship appropriately to be man’s reflection of the worth of God in spirit and truth, then worship can manifest in almost limitless flavors and musical styles.

So if style itself is not the issue but rather attitude and content, then the solution is to develop an authentic, authoritative understanding of who God is. This is accomplished by centering worship on God’s word. Moreover, the Bible should be used not merely as instructional text for sermons, though useful and imperative. It is the story of God and his dealing with his creation that is vitally important to knowing God himself. And the critical result that emerges is a praise-worthy fear of God.

Thus, as we discover Almighty God's power, justice, righteousness, and love, our response comes full circle to fearing God, which leads to praise. As Psalm 111:10 underscores: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” Let the children of God fear him, thus resulting in reverent conduct and “obedience to the truth” (1 Peter 1:22a), and let our worship invite us back to the humble view of ourselves and exalted view of the Almighty. "What does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul..." (Deut 10:12).