A Thoughtful word on the Holy Fear of God
Have you ever sat in church and wondered why some people seem to take their faith more lightly than others? It’s a question that has lingered in my mind lately as I observe the ebb and flow of worship, the cadence of prayers, and the lives we lead once the service is over. This isn’t about judgment or comparison—it’s a sincere concern that I think many of us share. There’s something profound and essential about faith that goes beyond casual attendance or surface-level belief, and I believe it hinges on one powerful concept: the genuine, holy fear of God.
Now, before anyone bristles at the word “fear,” let’s clarify what it means in this context. I’m not talking about being scared of God—as if He were a distant, unpredictable ruler waiting to punish us for every mistake. Instead, I’m referring to a healthy respect and awe for who He is: His greatness, His holiness, and the profound nature of His love and justice. It’s about recognizing that God isn’t just an idea or a Sunday ritual, but the Creator of all things—the One who sets the standards for how we live, love, and relate to Him and to each other.
Why Does Holy Fear Matter?
Too often, the idea of “fearing God” gets lost in translation, minimized to a mere phrase we recite or ignore. But when you look at Scripture, it’s clear that holy fear is foundational to a vibrant, authentic faith. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” It’s not just the start; it’s the very core from which understanding and discernment flow.
When we lose that sense of awe, reverence, and respect, our relationship with God can become casual or transactional. We come to church, sing a few songs, listen to a sermon, and go about our week as if faith were just another item on our checklist. But what if we approached God with the same seriousness and devotion that we give to the things we value most? What if His standards shaped our decisions, our priorities, and the way we treat others?
Signs That We’re Missing the Awe
I’m not writing this to point fingers, but to invite reflection—for myself and for anyone reading. Sometimes, I notice signs that the genuine fear of God is missing in our lives:
· We treat worship as routine, forgetting its sacredness.
· Our prayers become hurried or half-hearted.
· God’s standards feel negotiable, shaped more by our preferences than His Word.
· We compartmentalize faith, keeping it locked in the pews rather than letting it guide our lives.
· Holiness and obedience seem old-fashioned or optional, rather than essential.
When these attitudes creep in, it’s easy for faith to lose its power and meaning. We risk missing out on the depth and richness of a relationship with the living God.
Rediscovering Holy Fear
So how do we rediscover what it means to fear God in a healthy, biblical way?
First, we need to remember who God is. He’s the One who spoke the universe into existence, who holds galaxies in His hands, and who knows every detail of our lives. His holiness and majesty aren’t distant or irrelevant—they’re the reason we exist and the source of every good thing we have.
Second, we need to let God’s standards shape us. His Word isn’t just a collection of old rules—it’s a guide for living fully and freely, grounded in truth and grace. When we honor God’s standards, we’re not losing out; we’re gaining the clarity, wisdom, and peace that come from aligning our lives with His design.
Third, we can cultivate awe in everyday moments. Take time to marvel at creation, to pause in prayer, to listen for His voice, and to worship with intention. The more we seek God’s presence, the more we recognize how incredible and worthy He is of our respect and devotion.
And finally, let’s encourage each other. Church isn’t just about individual growth—it’s a community where we help one another pursue God with reverence and love. Let’s share stories, struggles, and victories as we journey together toward a deeper faith.
What Does Holy Fear Look Like?
Holy fear isn’t about living in terror or uncertainty. It’s about living honestly and humbly before God, knowing that His love is fierce and His standards are just. It’s about letting Him shape every aspect of who we are, not out of obligation, but out of a desire to know Him and reflect His character.
It means approaching worship with gratitude and expectation, not just as a routine. It means praying with sincerity, knowing that the God of the universe hears every word. It means seeking holiness, not because we want to earn something, but because we want to honor the One who’s given us everything.
And it means letting faith move us to action—serving others, loving deeply, forgiving freely, and standing for what’s right, even when it’s hard. When we live in holy fear, we live with purpose, conviction, and hope.
A Personal Challenge
I’m challenging myself—and inviting you to join me—to seek a deeper, more genuine fear of God. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s life-changing. Let’s ask ourselves:
· Are we honoring God in the choices we make, even when no one else is watching?
· Do our words and actions reflect a real respect for His standards?
· Are we pursuing holiness, even when the world tells us it doesn’t matter?
· Do we marvel at God’s greatness, or have we grown numb to His presence?
If the answer is “not always,” that’s okay. The journey of faith is full of ups and downs, but God’s grace is always bigger than our failures. What matters is that we’re willing to take it seriously, to seek Him earnestly, and to let His awe transform us from the inside out.
Let’s Talk
How do you cultivate a holy fear of God in your life? What has helped you take His standards seriously, and where do you still struggle? Let’s start a conversation—not to criticize, but to encourage and inspire each other to pursue God with everything we have.
Faith isn’t meant to be lukewarm or casual—it’s meant to be transformative, marked by wonder and reverence. Let’s rediscover the joy, the conviction, and the humility that come from a genuine, holy fear of our amazing God.
Thanks for reading—and may your journey be filled with awe, purpose, and the deep peace that comes from knowing and honoring Him.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 