The Picture I Once Had
When I was in junior high school, there was a mathematics teacher whom all of us at school found frightening. He taught in a loud voice and punished us whenever we failed to answer a question or received a poor grade on a test.
When I used to read the phrase “the fear of the Lord,” that was the kind of picture that came to mind. But now I understand that the fear of the Lord is not that kind of fear.
Admiration, Respect, and Love
Imagine someone whom you respect, admire, and love. Would not every word they speak be fragrant and sweet to you, so that you would try to remember every word that came from their mouth? When that person gives you advice or an instruction, would you not gladly carry it out?
That, my beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord, is what is meant by “the fear of the Lord.”
Listening and Doing
If you listen carefully to God’s words (the Bible), and faithfully carry out His counsel and commands (loving one another), I am convinced that you will experience God’s promise: you will receive wisdom and understanding from God Himself.
May you continue walking with God. God bless you!