Solomon wrote in the Book of Proverbs that "fear is the beginning of knowledge." His talk is in reference to knowing God and coming closer to Him. Matthew 10 says we should fear the one who has the power to send us to hell rather than men, that can't do anything with any long term affects; and even then every action is done with God's sovereign will allowing it.
So why fear God? first He created us and He did so with full intent of us being the exact way we are. There were no mistakes or anything in our creation that just occurred by chance. With this, He is our Father, both physically to every man, and spiritually to everyone chosen. His love for us is the perfect image of fatherhood as he loves us, has mercy on us and disciplines us as we need. He also gives to us generously, but He also takes away as He wishes (Job 1:21). The heavenly Father also knows everything there is (omniscient). He knows what we're thinking when we speak to others, He know our heart when we make a choice to perform some act. He sees us when we're home alone sitting behind the computer screen, thinking no one will know or see me. God also is everywhere (omnipresent). He is with you wherever you are; no matter your ground, He is there. God is also all powerful (omnipotent). He's the only One that can do whatever He wills. If this isn't enough to have a respect and awe for the one that loves you more dearly than your own father or mother, then I pray for your heart to be softened to see the love that God has given to each of us.
We tend to allow ourselves to fear the very ones we have no reason to fear. Man can do nothing when compared to what our real Father does for us. Ecclesiastes 3:14 lets us know that everything man tries is small and insignificant. We so often fear man's words of disapproval or his chastisement; however it is God's approval that we should seek after and no one else's. Peter knew this fear more than anyone else. Matthew 26 tells us that Jesus told him that he would deny Jesus three times before morning. Within the same chapter, Peter is confronted by a little servant girl accusing him of being a follower of Jesus. Peter said no. When approached the second time, he maintained his denial, someone noticed that he even spoke like a follower; so Peter cursed and swore that he was not a follower of Jesus. Then the rooster crowed. The guilt that Peter must have bore.
Each time we fear what man can do to us, and we don't trust God for His great love and promises, to give to us what we need, we are denying our relationship with Jesus. If someone accuses us falsely then we respond with truth and love. If someone threatens us we should look for a way to love them and trust that God has a way for this to work out. When trials come, we must look to God for help rather than trying to fix it ourselves.
God works things for His Glory and for His good. That is because He is in control and we are not. If it were not for our Father's love and mercy we would each get what we deserve, hell and no grace at all. Thanks be to God, all glory to Him. May I always know that no matter my job status, social standing, financial level, family reputation or physical abilities, God has me right where He wants me for His good. I like that feeling.
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