Proverbs 9:10 - 10 " The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. I find it amazingly profound the order of those three. For wisdom comes from the Lord and thus knowledge and understanding as well. As Solomon prayed, Lord grant me wisdom. The problem with American "Christianity" these days began when the church decided to abandon the fear of the Lord.
There is a scene in a movie that I am ashamed to admit I've seen. The movie is Talladega Nights. Now please know that I watched that movie in a moment of stumbling, I've since repented and never watched again. But in that movie there is a particular scene where the main characters are sitting down to dinner and Ricky Bobby (played by Will Ferrel) is asked to say grace. From that point there ensues a discussion on what each of them like to picture Jesus as. Ranging from one saying they prefer "Baby Jesus" to picturing Jesus in a t-shirt with a tuxedo printed on it.
Granted they are blaspheming and poking fun at Jesus and that is sickening in and of itself... however, they hit a really profound point and identify a problem. When the church decides it is ok to make a graven image of Sovereign God they are begging Him to remove His Spirit from the work of that church/ ministry.
We would be well advised to daily take time to approach the throne of God with fear and trembling and humility. Not fear out of a a fear He'll reascend Salvation, absolutely not. But a fear out of humility and respect and awe of the One who gives and takes away.
Let that be an encouragement to you. It certainly is a great wake up to me. Let's not forget that God is love, but let's never forget all the facets of that Love as revealed through Scripture.
God Bless
j
