“The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever.” (Ps 111:10 AV)

Have we as a people lost our fear of God?  If this question is address to the USA, then the answer would be yes!  For we as a nation are conducting our affairs as if we are not answerable to God.  In many ways this nation which once acknowledged God has now renounced the laws of God.  The declarations of our highest officials have declared open rebellion against the laws and wisdom of our Creator.

But what about those in this in this Country who still call themselves Christians?  Have we retained our fear of the Lord?  Have we lost sight of the fact that the fear of the Lord is foundational?  Even a superficial study of this subject will reveal the dominance of this theme throughout Scripture.  If we were to analyze the failures of God’s people as recorded in the Bible, then I believe we would see in most if not all cases it began with a failure to fear the Lord and do his commandments.

If I were to surveying the Christians in this country and ask them if they feared God, I would suppose most would say that they did fear God.  But how do we know if we have a healthy fear of God?  One of the most obvious indications would be if we are following His commands, if we are living according to His precepts. I am afraid that many who call themselves Christians don’t even know the laws of the Lord, because they have not read His Word.  It is for this reason that God sent word through His servant Isaiah saying:

“Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:” (Isa 29:13 AV)

If we indeed fear God we will be living in obedience to His Word, not serving Him with lip service only.  It is the honest acknowledgement of God the brings us to His Word, keeps us in His Word, humbles us, and sets us on the right path. Now is the acceptable day of salvation.  It is imperative that we bow before Him and set Christ as King in our heart.  For as Isaiah continues in the 29th chapter we see that a day of judgment is coming in which the ungodly will be judged.  Then those who feared the Lord will be vindicated and God will be glorified.

“22 Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale. 23 But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. 24 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.” (Isa 29:22-24 AV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.