Lack of Fear of the Lord Leaves Society Lost
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Mar 29, 2023
- 2 min read
Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. (Romans 3:15-18)
Romans 3:15-18 paints a very sad picture of humanity; it describes what is unfolding in front of our eyes today. Have you noticed the swiftness with which people turn to violence and destruction, the misery and chaos that follows, and their lack of seeing or understanding peace? Paul pointed out the root cause of all these problems - the lack of fear of God before their eyes.
Today, we are seeing this lack of fear of God manifest in many ways. Society has become increasingly secular and moral relativism has become the norm. People do things today that would have been considered unacceptable just a few decades ago. Robbing churches, for instance, was once an unthinkable act, but now it has become a common occurrence. This lack of fear of God has led to a breakdown of the moral code that once held society together.
Fear of God isn’t being afraid of Him or fearing consequences of disobedience. Fear means awe and respect that we hold for His position, His person, and His Word. The fear of God is not a fear of punishment, but a reverence and awe of the King and Creator of all. It is a recognition of Who God is and the significance of our relationship with Him. Another word for fear is reverence.
As believers, we should always honor and reverently worship God. Although we live in a society that lacks the fear of God, our job is to live it and share it.
Practical Application
Actively cultivate a fear of God in your life. We can do this by studying the Word of God, spending time in prayer, and seeking to understand His character and His ways. Recognize God’s authority in your everyday life and submit to His direction.
