“And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.”
in fear
“Fear” refers to the fear of awe. This is not personal cringing fear, nor a phobia. This is not anxiety but awesome regard for God. It is not self-distrust or apprehension of a terrible time on earth but an awareness of the presence of God.
God wants us to spend time on earth worshipping Him. This means to accept His authority reverently. God wants us to live every moment conscious of His presence.
“Fear” then is not torment, not a sentiment of emotion towards God. It is the objective appraisal of who God is. Once we appraise God for who He is and see ourselves for who we are, then holiness results. We need the Word of God to do this.
PRINCIPLE:
Reverence for God produces holiness.
APPLICATION:
Is God trivial to you? Is He a detail of your life? On the other hand, is God the center of your life? Do you hold Him in absolute distinction?
