The Awe of God: The Astounding Way a Healthy Fear of God Transforms Your Life

by John Paul Bevere

Do I continually live with awareness that God knows my innermost thoughts, motives, and intentions? How can I increase my awareness of this truth?

Jesus tells us to fear God, not people. Simply put, the fear of God frees us from the fear of man, and the fear of man enslaves us by removing our ability to fear God.

It’s easy to do godly, beneficial works before a watching world, all the while concealing a self-seeking motive. We can move a crowd with a great gospel message but inwardly be motivated by selfish ambition (Philippians 1:15–16). We can give huge gifts to the poor but do so void of love (1 Corinthians 13:3). We can lead people in worship but have a hidden intent to be known or famous. We can be kind in our interactions but inwardly scrutinize and criticize others. We can affirm our sorrow over a pastor who’s been asked to resign for an immoral failure but inwardly rejoice that he got what he deserved. We can appear humble and proclaim, “All the glory goes to Jesus,” while inwardly we love the affirmation and praise. The list is endless. Here is the raw truth: First, not one motive or intention can be hidden from God, and second, it will eventually be revealed. The important question is: Is it hidden from us? The fear of the Lord keeps us in touch with our heart motives, which is critically important, for the lack thereof leaves us vulnerable to the deception of hypocrisy.