Treasure and Fear

Our lives should be marked with a healthy fear of God, rather than an unhealthy fear of man. The one who fears man worries that his power, possessions, position, or esteem will be lost, so he succumbs to what he believes will preserve his treasure. The man or woman of God, however, should possess a fear of disobeying the Lord, who possesses all things, including one's very life (Matt. 10:28). Do you live in the light, as one who is under the watchful eye of the Most High God? Or are your actions performed with little thought of God, or little thoughts of Him? Is the God of your imagination lacking in knowledge of your deeds and thoughts, or does he lack power to judge rightly? If our minds were clear and shaped by the truth of who God is, we would possess a holy fear of Him, run to the cross daily, and praise God for His grace that a Savior has removed His righteous wrath from us. If we took seriously his awesomeness and holiness, we would grieve deeply over every sinful choice, impure thought, and careless word, and would be more intentional with our course in life. What you treasure will direct your path. Do you treasure the approval of God, or of man? Your choices will reflect both your treasure and your fear (See 1 Samuel 15:10-31, Acts 5:27-32).