The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. Isaiah 8:13
The only person or object worthy of fear is the Lord Almighty. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10).
When we first become aware of the reality of God, we may change our behaviour out of fear. Fear of consequences, fear of judgment and fear may be the deterrent when faced with temptation. However, this is only the beginning of wisdom. As we grow in our Christian lives we become more Christ-like and therefore more loving. We’re less motivated by fear and more motivated by love. We want to live a life pleasing to God, out of love and gratitude rather than fear.
Also as we grow spiritually we have a greater understanding that Jesus has paid the price for our sin so that the wrath of God is no longer an issue for us. Paul explains, “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” (Romans 5:9).
God is the only one we’re to regard as holy, the only one worthy of being feared. If we fear something or someone we’re giving them more power in our lives than God, hence they have become an idol to us.
When we are tempted to fear, rather than allowing it to paralyse us, we can overcome it by focusing on how much God loves us, since, “perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18).
When we’re convinced of God’s perfect love we realise that there is no need to fear.
