The Least We Can Do is Fear God or...

I sat with a group of college aged students a couple of years ago and as we studied some of the wisdom books of the Bible someone made the comment, "I think that's the problem, I think we don't really fear God any more."

Interesting insight. We believe God exists. We maintain a sense of there being something bigger than ourselves out there. We say we fear (respect) Him... but our lives don't always reflect an awe or respect... let alone a fear of Him.

Others use fear as a reason to stay away from God. Fear is their excuse. Actually and consequently fear has become their god.

So many of these "least we can do" posts focus on action we can take. Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10 and 15:33 all indicate the the fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of wisdom and knowledge and understanding. How can we grow in Him and be pleasing to Him if we are not growing in these things?

Right??? Weigh in.... here are some Scriptures to consider:


^{Ecclesiastes 12
13} Now all has been heard; 
   here is the conclusion of the matter: 
Fear God and keep his commandments, 
   for this is the whole duty of man. 
¹⁴ For God will bring every deed into judgment, 
   including every hidden thing, 
   whether it is good or evil.

Isaiah 33

⁵ The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; 
   he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. 
⁶ He will be the sure foundation for your times, 
   a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; 
   the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. 

BUT...John's first letter tells us that perfect love casts out fear (4:18) and that we can approach the throne of God with confidence (5:13-15) even when our hearts condemn us.