“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” (Proverbs 14:27)

Immediate gratification is probably the hardest temptation to resist. The most basic principle we learn coming out of the womb is that what feels good is good, and what feels bad is bad. Unfortunately our flesh lies to us on our very first day of life. A toddler may be quite happy accepting sugary substances all the time, while unknowingly depriving themselves of the much need nutrients of good food. Parents have to overcome the immediate gratification tendencies of a young child by correcting in a way that negates their inner desire to do the wrong thing. All leading to the idea that the consequence needs to be heavy enough to overcome the instant gratification of the desire (sin). And this is exactly the point of today’s verse. Having a healthy fear of the Lord, recognizing His sovereignty and authority over all, is the pathway to a righteous life. The bounty of the Lord is in Jesus Christ, but our sin muddies the water and reduces the clarity of Jesus in our lives. So fearing our God enough to avoid the sin leaves our vision clear and true. Enabling us to see the dangers of sin, avoiding the harmfulness of having sin present in our life, and leads us away from the “snares of death.” It seems strange for us to fear the all loving and merciful God. But God is also just, and God cannot tolerate nor be in the presence of sin. And there are plenty of biblical examples of God turning from those who have turned against Him. In the end, having a fear of God is not only healthy, but a necessary component of righteous and holy living.

Happy 4th all, and may God Bless America!